Mud Flap Assembly

ABSTRACT

Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the securing assembly enabling the frame to be secured to a hitch assembly having a shaft, for further attachment to a hitch receiver secured to a vehicle; the frame having a rear plate that preferably includes a hitch opening for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. The frame is preferably configured to engage or rest upon a portion of a bumper of the vehicle to minimize vibration of the frame during use. The mud flap assembly preferably includes a pair of stops that are preferably adjustable and are constructed and arranged to engage or rest against the bumper. The mud flap assembly preferably includes enlarged mud flap panels and mud flap support members for additional support of the enlarged mud flap panels. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/989,460, filed Jan. 6, 2016, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/322,379, filed Jul. 2, 2014, bothof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Mud flap assemblies, particularly, hitch-mounted mud flap assembliesincluding a frame interconnected to a hitch assembly that can beinterconnected to a hitch receiver proximate a bumper of a vehicle. Thepreferred frame is designed to rest on a portion of the bumper tominimize vibration of the frame while in use on a vehicle. In preferredembodiments, the frame includes a pair of stop assemblies. The stopassemblies are preferably adjustable and are preferably constructed andarranged to rest against the bumper when the mud flap assembly issecured to the hitch assembly and the combination mud flap assembly andhitch assembly is attached to the hitch receiver. The hitch receiver isattached to the vehicle proximate the vehicle's bumper. The mud flapassemblies may also include exhaust ventilation apertures and/orprotective heat shields. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies arealso disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Trucks and other vehicles are frequently used to haul trailers thattransport boats, snow mobiles, four wheelers, motorcycles, golf cartsand the like. Significant investments are made in such recreationalequipment and the owners generally strive to protect their investment inthis equipment by preventing any damage to such equipment that mightoccur during transport. Mud flaps are frequently used to prevent mud,gravel and other debris from being kicked up by the rear tires of thehauling vehicle that could otherwise damage or soil the trailer and theequipment being transported.

Typical mud flap assemblies often include a laterally extending beampositioned along the rear of the vehicle and two mud flap panelsextending downward therefrom proximate the rear tires. Frequently, suchmud flap assemblies are mounted to a hitch receiver of the vehicle. See,for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,842 (Knoer); U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,311(Larkin); U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,223 (Kirckof); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,302(Vaughn).

The present invention provides improvements that address limitationsassociated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred mud flap assemblies for attachment to hitch assemblies willpreferably include a frame, a securing assembly, and two flap panels.The frame will preferably include a rear plate, a top plate and twolongitudinal ends. The top plate is generally perpendicular to the rearplate and the rear plate having a hitch opening, wherein a shaft orinterceptor portion of the ball mount of the hitch assembly, also calleda hitch tongue, can be threaded through the hitch opening and secured tothe frame with the securing assembly. Each of the respective flap panelscan be separately secured to the frame proximate one of the respectivelongitudinal ends of the frame. Enlarged flap panels are preferablyprovided to mud flap assemblies to enhanced protection for trailerspulled behind these assemblies from rocks and debris flying up behindvehicles to which the trailers are attached. The hitch assembly willpreferably be a commercially available hitch assembly including a ballmount interconnected with a shaft or hitch tongue that is securablewithin a hitch receiver to attach the mud flap assembly to a vehicleproximate a rear bumper of the vehicle; the rear bumper preferablyhaving a top surface and a rear surface. The frame will preferablyinclude a pair of stop assemblies, one of which is located proximateeach of the respective longitudinal ends of the frame. When the mud flapassembly is operatively secured to the vehicle, the respective stopassemblies will preferably be engaged with the rear surface of thebumper. The mud flap assembly may also include a protective piece thatcan have an adhesive back or the like to allow it to be secured to thebumper proximate the position where the respective stop assembly bumpercap is projected to engage the bumper. The protective piece can bepositioned such that one of the respective stop assemblies will contactthe protective piece when the mud flap assembly is operatively securedto the vehicle such that the protective piece minimizes abrasions to thebumper caused by the respective stop assembly.

Preferred mud flap assembly embodiments are configured for attachment toa hitch assembly, and the hitch assembly is preferably configured forattachment to a hitch receiver proximate a bumper of a vehicle, whereinthe bumper has a top surface and a rear surface and the hitch assemblyhas a shaft for engagement with the hitch receiver. Further preferredmud flap assemblies include a frame, a securing assembly and two mudflap panels. The frame has two longitudinal ends, a rear plate and a topplate, wherein the top plate is generally perpendicular to the rearplate and the top plate includes a support flange that can engage thetop surface of the bumper. Each of the respective mud flap panels issecured to the frame proximate the respective longitudinal ends. Thehitch assembly is preferably adjustably secured to the frame by thesecuring assembly such that when the shaft is engaged with the hitchreceiver to create a first point of contact between the mud flapassembly and the vehicle, there will also be a second point of contactbetween the mud flap assembly and the vehicle. This second point ofcontact is preferably between the support flange or support flangeelements and the top surface of the bumper of the vehicle. In furtherpreferred embodiments, mud flap assemblies described and claimed hereinwill have additional points of contact between the mud flap assembly andthe vehicle when the respective stop assemblies come into contact withthe rear surface of the bumper. These points of contact help tostabilize the respective mud flap assemblies with respect to the vehicleso as to minimize the degree to which the frames of the respective mudflap assemblies vibrate and move independently of the vehicle.

The present invention includes mud flap assemblies, particularly,hitch-mounted mud flap assemblies including a frame, which can beinterconnected to a hitch assembly that can be interconnected to a hitchreceiver proximate a bumper of a vehicle. Various preferred mud flapassemblies include a frame, a securing assembly and two mud flap panels;the frame having two longitudinal ends and a rear plate, the rear plateincluding a hitch opening, spaced between the respective longitudinalends, for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. One preferred frameis designed to rest on a portion of the bumper to minimize vibration ofthe frame and movement of the frame independent of the vehicle to whichit is secured, while in use on the vehicle. Such a frame will preferablyinclude a top plate including at least one support flange, the top platebeing generally perpendicular to the rear plate. The mud flap assemblywill preferably include a pair of stops or stop assemblies positionedproximate the respective longitudinal ends. Preferred stop assembliesare adjustable and are constructed and arranged to rest against thebumper when the mud flap assembly is secured to the hitch assembly andthe combination mud flap assembly and hitch assembly is attached to thehitch receiver. Various mud flap assemblies may also include exhaustventilation apertures and/or protective heat shields, as desired.

Disclosed embodiments include a mud flap assembly for attachment to ahitch assembly; the hitch assembly being attachable to a hitch receiverattached to a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck, proximate a bumper ofthe vehicle. The bumper will preferably have a rear surface and thehitch assembly will preferably have a shaft for engagement with thehitch receiver. Various mud flap assemblies will preferably have aframe, a securing assembly and two mud flap panels. The frame has twolongitudinal ends and a rear plate. The rear plate includes a hitchopening spaced between the respective longitudinal ends for receivingthe shaft of the hitch assembly. The securing assembly will preferablyhave two elongated members that can be adjustably secured to the frameand adjustably secured to one another to engage the shaft and therebysecure the hitch assembly to the frame. In preferred embodiments, theframe will include a pair of stops, one of which is located proximateeach of the respective longitudinal ends of the frame; wherein therespective stops extend away from the frame, toward the bumper, suchthat the respective stops can engage the rear surface of the bumper whenthe mud flap assembly is operatively secured to the vehicle. Inpreferred embodiments, the frame will include a pair of stop assembliesand each of which includes a stop, a protective cap that is engageablewith the respective stop such that the respective protective cap willcome into contact with the bumper when the mud flap assembly isoperatively secured to the vehicle. In preferred embodiments the mudflap assembly will include a pair of adjustable stop assemblies. Each ofthe respective stop assemblies includes a stop that extends away fromadjacent parts of the frame toward the bumper, such that the respectivestops can engage the rear surface of the bumper when the mud flapassembly is operatively secured to the vehicle.

The respective mud flap panels are preferably separately secured to theframe proximate one of the respective longitudinal ends. The frame ofpreferred mud flap assemblies will include a rear plate and a top plate;wherein the top plate is generally perpendicular to the rear plate andthe top plate includes a support flange. The securing assembly isconfigured to allow the hitch assembly to be adjustably secured to theframe so that when the hitch assembly is secured to the frame and to thevehicle to provide a first point of contact between the mud flapassembly and the vehicle, the support flange can be engaged with a topsurface of the bumper to provide a second point of contact between themud flap assembly and the vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the hitchopening of the frame has a configuration selected from the groupconsisting of: 1) a generally U-shaped opening partially surrounded byadjacent elements of the frame; and 2) an opening completely surroundedby adjacent elements of the frame. The frame further includes aplurality of frame attachment openings proximate the hitch opening;wherein connectors can adjustably connect the pair of elongated membersof the securing assembly to the frame and to one another to secure theshaft of the hitch assembly to the frame. In alternate embodiments ofthe mud flap assembly, the frame includes an enlarged opening over whicha mounting plate having a hitch opening can be secured. The mountingplate id secured to the frame and the securing assembly is secured tothe mounting plate and the shaft of the hitch assembly is secured to themounting plate by the securing assembly. The mounting plate is aremovable adjustment plate defining a hitch opening. The adjustmentplate includes a plurality of plate openings to enhance the adjustmentcapabilities of the securing assembly. In further alternate embodimentsof the mud flap assembly, the frame has a structure that is selectedfrom the group consisting of: 1) a unitary structure; and 2) amulti-part structure in which a plurality of parts are interconnected toform a frame assembly. The multi-part frame structure may be adjustablein length.

In preferred embodiments, each of the respective enlarged mud flappanels is secured to the frame proximate opposite longitudinal ends ofthe frame and so that the outer edge of the respective flap panelextends at least about 2 inches beyond the end of the respectivelongitudinal end of the frame, preferably from about 2 inches to about12 inches. The enlarged mud flap panels are preferably secured to theframe so that the inside edges of the respective flap panels a separatedby a distance of from about 3 to about 5 inches. In other preferredembodiments, each the respective mud flap panels will be secured to theframe in a manner in which each of the respective enlarged mud flappanels extends above the top plate proximate respective longitudinalends of the frame at least about two inches, preferably from about 2inches to about 12 inches. In further preferred embodiments, the mudflap assembly will include at least one mud flap support member that isbent so that an included angle between opposing ends of an insidesurface of the mud flap support member, which engages the respective mudflap, will be from about 175 to about 179 degrees. In preferredembodiments, the mud flap assembly will include two mud flap supportmembers that are bent in this manner and secured to the frame in amanner in which the support member sandwiches the flap panel against theframe. The slight bend in the inside surface of the support member actsto minimize the degree to which the inside edge of the flap panelsprings out away from the frame.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty whichcharacterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for abetter understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectsobtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which forma further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, inwhich there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals and lettersindicate corresponding parts of the various embodiments throughout theseveral views, and in which the various embodiments generally differonly in the manner described and/or shown, but otherwise includecorresponding parts; and in which reference is occasionally made eitherto the “rear” or to the “front” of the mud flap assembly or to a frameof the present mud flap assembly in a manner that is consistent with theorientation of the mud flap assembly or to a frame of the present mudflap assembly when it is secured to a vehicle as envisioned, so that therear of a mud flap assembly or of a frame of the present invention willbe consistent with what is seen when one is looking at the rear of sucha vehicle when the mud flap assembly or such a frame is attached to sucha vehicle as herein envisioned and the front of such a mud flap assemblyor such a frame will be the view of such a mud flap assembly or such aframe that can be seen from seen from the front of the vehicle when suchmud flap assembly or such frame is attached to the vehicle as envisionedherein and the vehicle does not obstruct the view;

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one preferred mud flap assembly 10including a frame 12, a securing assembly 84 and two flap panels 50 a,50 b secured to and extending downwardly from the frame 12; the frame 12is attached to a hitch assembly 70 and showing protective pieces 21 a,21 b, respectively, exploded away from respective stop assemblies 15 a,15 b with which the respective protective pieces 21 a, 21 b would beengaged if the protective pieces 21 a, 21 b were attached to a bumper ofa vehicle (not shown) and if the mud flap assembly 10 was secured tosuch a vehicle as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4 and 5;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the mud flap assembly 10 of FIG.1 showing the securing assembly 84 that secures the frame 12 to thehitch assembly 70 and the protective pieces 21 a, 21 b shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is rear perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing apartially, exploded perspective view of the mud flap assembly 10 ofFIGS. 1-2A in which the respective bumper caps 17 a, 17 b of therespective stop assemblies 15 a, 15 b are exploded away from therespective stops 16 a, 16 b;

FIG. 2C is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the mud flapassembly 10 of FIGS. 1-2B as shown from in front and below the mud flapassembly 10, showing a portion of the securing assembly 84 securing thehitch assembly 70 to the frame 12;

FIG. 2D is an exploded perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2C, butshowing the securing assembly 84 of FIGS. 1-2C at least partiallyexploded away from the frame 12 and the hitch assembly 70 and the hitchpin 79 a and the cotter pin 79 b exploded away from the shaft or hitchtongue 72;

FIG. 2E is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp half 86 a of thesecuring assembly 84 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D;

FIG. 2F is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp half 86 b of thesecuring assembly 84 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D;

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the mud flap assembly 10 of FIGS.1-2D when the mud flap assembly 10 is operatively secured to a bumper Bof a vehicle V (shown only in part);

FIG. 3B is an exploded, rear perspective view of the mud flap assembly10 of FIGS. 1-3A as seen generally from the perspective of FIG. 3A, inwhich the hitch assembly 70 is shown separately from the frame and thesecuring assembly 84 is not shown for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the mud flap assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3A when themud flap assembly 10 is operatively secured to a bumper B of a vehicle V(shown only in part);

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial rear perspective view of a portion of themud flap assembly 10 shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from in front and below the mud flapassembly 10 shown in FIGS. 3A, 4 and 5, in which the mud flap assembly10 is secured to the hitch assembly 70, and the hitch assembly 70 issecured to the hitch receiver 76 of the vehicle V, only a part of whichis shown;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the mud flap assembly10 of FIG. 6, shown in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6, butfrom a somewhat different perspective, showing the cap 17 b of one stopassembly 15 b contacting a protective piece 21 b secured to the bumperB;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial perspective view from in front and belowthe mud flap assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-7, shown in a manner similar to thatshown in FIG. 6, but from a somewhat different perspective, showing theframe 12 secured to the hitch assembly 70 by the securing assembly 84,and the hitch assembly 70 secured to the hitch receiver 76;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an alternate mud flap assembly 110,largely similar to the mud flap assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, but havingenlarged access openings 123 a, 123 b and showing the respective stopassemblies 115 a, 115 b engaged with protective pieces 121 a, 121 b,respectively, as they would be if the protective pieces 121 a, 121 bwere attached to a bumper of a vehicle (not shown), if the alternate mudflap assembly was secured to such a vehicle;

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of the alternate mud flap assembly 110 ofFIG. 9, but showing the respective bumper caps 117 a, 117 b of therespective stop assemblies 115 a, 115 b exploded away from therespective stops 16 a, 16 b and the respective protective pieces 121 a,121 b shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10B a perspective view of the frame 112 of the mud flap assembly110 of FIGS. 9 and 10A, as seen from in front and below the frame 112,showing a gusset member 166 that is plug welded, spot welded or the liketo secure the gusset member to the frame 112 below the top plate 140 andproximate the support flanges 142 to strengthen the top plate 140 of thealternate frame 112;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the alternate frame 110 shown in FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view to provide a schematicpositioning perspective of the front of a heat plate 60, shown inrelation to a vehicle exhaust pipe P (shown in phantom); wherein theheat plate can be operatively secured to the front of a flap panel 50 a,50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b of mud flapassemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, as shown in FIG. 13A, to shield theflap panel from hot exhaust coming from the exhaust pipe P;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of a furtheralternate embodiment of a mud flap assembly 210 having a universal frame212, to which adjustable support flanges 242 a, 242 b are attached andstop assemblies 215 a, 215 b are secured by bolts 219;

FIG. 13A is a partially exploded, front perspective view of thealternate mud flap assembly 210 of FIG. 12, including heat shields 60,such as shown in FIG. 11, but being bolted to the respective flap panels250 a, 250 b;

FIG. 13B is a partial perspective view of the front of the alternate mudflap assembly 210 of FIG. 13A, providing a partially exploded view ofthe alternate fasteners used to secure the alternate, adjustable supportflange elements 242 a, 242 b;

FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of a further alternate frame 312that may be used with the other parts of the mud flap assemblies of thepresent invention; the frame 312 having stops 316 a, 316 b extendingaway from the rear plate 330 (see FIG. 14B) and showing a flexible flap347 the covers the front side of one of the access openings 323 togenerally prevent rocks and debris from passing through the accessopening from the front of the frame when the frame 312 is secured to avehicle (not shown), while still allowing a user to extend his or herhand H through the covered access opening 323 in order to grasp a hitchpin (not shown), a cotter pin (not shown), safety chains (not shown) orthe like;

FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of the frame of FIG. 14A, showingthe flexible flap 347 that covers one of the front of one of the accessopenings 323 (shown in phantom) that is covered by the flexible flap 347that is preferably secured to the front of the frame 312 by a strip ofadhesive material 348 that is also shown in phantom;

FIG. 15A is a rear perspective view of a further alternate mud flapassembly 410 including a universal frame 412 having a generally U-shapedhitch opening 418 and showing fastener elements 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445d, for securing support flange elements 442 a, 442 b and adjustable stopassemblies 415 a, 415 b, in exploded view;

FIG. 15B is a front perspective view of the mud flap assembly 410 ofFIG. 15A showing fastener elements 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d, forsecuring support flange elements 442 a, 442 b and adjustable stopassemblies 415 a, 415 b, in exploded view;

FIG. 15C is a further rear perspective view of the mud flap assembly 410of FIGS. 15A-15B, but showing the flap panels 450 a, 450 b andrespective fastener elements 452 a, 452 b, 452 c detached in a modifiedexploded view and also showing the elements of the securing assembly 484detached in an exploded view arranged to clearly show the U-shaped hitchopening;

FIG. 15D is an enlarged, partial front perspective view of the mud flapassembly 410 of FIG. 15B, but only showing one of the adjustable stopassemblies 415 b detached from fastener elements 452 a, 452 b, 452 c andthe top plate 440 in an exploded view;

FIG. 15E is an enlarged, partial rear perspective view of a portion ofthe alternate mud flap assembly 410 of FIG. 15A, showing the adjustablestop assembly 415 b secured to the top plate 440 by bolt 445 a and itscomplementary fastening elements (not shown); wherein the bumper cap 417b is pressed up against a protective piece 421 b and the bumper B, whenthe mud flap assembly is secured to the vehicle (not shown) in order togive the mud flap assembly 410 a further point of contact with thevehicle;

FIG. 16A is a rear perspective view of a further alternate mud flapassembly 510 having a mounting plate 519 to which the securing assembly584 is attached; wherein the mounting plate 519 includes a hitch opening518 a so that when the mounting plate 519 is secured to the frame 512,the mounting plate 519 will at least partially cover an enlarged opening518 in the frame 512 so as to provide a hitch opening 518 a forreceiving a hitch tongue (not shown), which at least partially overlapswith a central clamp opening 590, through which a hitch tongue (notshown) of a hitch assembly (not shown, see also FIGS. 2A-2D and relateddisclosure) can be threaded; and wherein the fastener elements 521 a,521 b, 521 c that secure the mounting plate 519 to the frame 512 areshown in exploded view;

FIG. 16B is a front view of the alternate mud flap assembly 510 of FIG.16A in which the fasteners for securing the mounting plate 519 to theframe 512 have been removed for clarity, but showing the securingassembly 584 secured to the mounting plate 519;

FIG. 16C is a rear perspective view of the alternate mud flap assembly510 shown in FIGS. 16A-16B; in which the fasteners for securing themounting plate 519 to the frame 512 have been removed for clarity as inFIG. 16B; showing the flap panels 550 a, 550 b and their respectivefastener elements 552 a, 552 b, 552 c in exploded view and also showingthe elements of the securing assembly 584 in exploded view;

FIG. 16D is a partially exploded, enlarged, partial perspective view ofthe front of the alternate mud flap assembly 510 of FIGS. 16A-16C,similar to that shown in FIG. 16b , but showing the fastener elements521 a, 521 b, 521 c that are used to secure the mounting plate 519 tothe frame 512 when the respective bolts 521 a pass through respectivecorresponding apertures 525, 528, in the mounting plate 519 and theframe 512, respectively, so that the respective nuts 521 c can bethreaded onto the respective bolts 521 a to secure the mounting plate519 to the frame 512;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of an alternate multi-piece frame 612that can be used with the other parts of the various mud flap assembliesdisclosed herein, wherein the alternate frame includes three separateframe elements 613 a, 613 b, 613 c that are assembled together using aseries of fasteners 629;

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E are rear plan views of an alternatemulti-piece frame 712 that is expandable between five different lengths,L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5, respectively, which can be used to providesuitable for the addition of flap panels (not shown) so that theexpandable frame can be used to make mud flap assemblies to provideprotection for trailers and property hauled on such trailers behindhauling vehicles having a variety of different widths;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the alternate multi-pieceexpandable frame 712 as it is shown in FIG. 18D;

FIG. 20 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the alternatemulti-piece frame 712 shown in FIG. 19; but showing all of therespective parts separated from one another, with the exception of thenuts and washers (not shown; see in FIG. 15D) for the bolts 745 a thatare needed to secure the respective stop assemblies 715 a, 715 b to therespective side portions 713 b, 713 c of the multi-piece frame 712;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the alternate multi-piece frame712 shown in FIGS. 18D and 19, as seen from below and in front of theframe 712;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of a further alternate frame 812;

FIG. 23A is a rear perspective view of an alternate mud flap assembly1010 including a frame 1012 similar to the frame 812 of FIG. 22, andhaving two enlarged flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b secured to and extendingdownwardly from the frame 1012, the mud flap assembly 1010 beingsecurable to a vehicle (not shown) similar to the manner shown in FIGS.3A, 4 and 5, and showing a protective strip 1075 that is exploded awayfrom the frame 1012;

FIG. 23B is a front perspective view of the mud flap assembly 1010 ofFIG. 23A, further showing a pair of inner mud flap support members 1032a, 1032 b, and showing the protective strip 1075 that is exploded awayfrom the frame 1012;

FIG. 23C is a front perspective view of the enlarged flap panels 1050 a,1050 b of FIGS. 23A and 23B;

FIG. 24A is a front perspective view of the inner mud flap supportmembers 1032 a, 1032 b of FIG. 23B;

FIG. 24B is a top view of the inner mud flap support members 1032 a,1032 b of FIGS. 23B, 23C, and 24A, showing a bend in each of the innermud flap support members 1032 a, 1032 b;

FIG. 25A is a rear perspective view of a another alternate mud flapassembly 1110 including frame 1012, which is the same as frame 1012 ofFIGS. 23A and 23B, but having two further enlarged flap panels 1150 a,1150 b secured to and extending downwardly from the frame 1012; the mudflap assembly 1110 being securable to a vehicle (not shown) in themanner disclosed in the specification in relation to the discussionregarding FIG. 3A through FIG. 6;

FIG. 25B is a front perspective view of the alternate mud flap assembly1110 of FIG. 25A, further showing a pair of inner mud flap supportmembers 1032 a, 1032 b and a pair of outer mud flap support members 1132c, 1132 d;

FIG. 25C is a front perspective view of the further enlarged flap panels1150 a, 1150 b of FIGS. 25A and 25B;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the outer mud flap supportmembers 1132 c, 1132 d of FIG. 25B;

FIG. 27A is a rear perspective view of a further alternate mud flapassembly 1210 including frame 1012, which is the same as frame 1012 ofFIGS. 23A and 23B, but having two still further enlarged flap panels1250 a, 1250 b secured to and extending downwardly from the frame 1012;the mud flap assembly 1210 being securable to a vehicle (not shown) inthe manner disclosed in the specification in relation to the discussionregarding FIG. 3A through FIG. 6;

FIG. 27B is a front perspective view of the mud flap assembly 1210 ofFIG. 27A, further showing a pair of inner mud flap support members 1032a, 1032 b and a pair of enlarged outer mud flap support members 1232 c,1232 d;

FIG. 27C is a front perspective view of the flap panels 1250 a, 1250 bof FIGS. 27A and 27B; and

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the enlarged outer mud flapsupport members 1232 c, 1232 d of FIG. 27B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, the mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210,410, 510, 1010, 1110, 1210 disclosed herein can be secured to a hitchassembly 70, which can be secured to a hitch receiver 76 at the rear ofa vehicle V, proximate the rear bumper B, to protect an apparatus beingtowed by the vehicle from being damaged due to rocks, debris and mudkicked up from under the rear tires of the vehicle. Preferredembodiments are configured to be easily removed and reinstalled, asneeded.

Preferred mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 1010, 1110, 1210are designed to be attached to a hitch assembly 70 preferably having aball mount 71 and then to a vehicle V having a rear bumper B and a hitchreceiver 76 proximate the rear bumper B. With many vehicles, the rearbumper B has a step or a top surface S and the hitch assembly willpreferably have a shaft or hitch tongue 72, which is preferablyinterconnected to the ball mount 71 for engagement with the hitchreceiver 76. The preferred mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510,1010, 1110, 1210 preferably include a frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512,1012, a securing bracket or securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584, 1084and two mud flap panels or flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a,250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250a, 1250 b. The frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012,preferably has two longitudinal ends 14 a, 14 b, 114 a, 114 b, 214 a,214 b, 313 a, 314 b, 414 a, 414 b, 514 a, 514 b, 614 a, 614 b, 714 a,714 b, 1014 a, 1014 b, 1114 a, 1114 b, 1214 a, 1214 b, a rear plate 30,130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 a, 630 b, 630 c, 730 a, 730 b, 730 c, 1030and a top plate 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640 a, 640 b, 640 c, 740 a,740 b, 740 c, 1040 wherein the top plate is generally orientedperpendicularly to the rear plate. In preferred embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1, for example, and in FIGS. 9, 10, 17, 19 and 22, the top plate40, 140, 640, 740, 840 preferably includes a pair of side by sidesupport flanges 42, 142, 642, 742, 842 which extend away from the rearplate 30, 130, 630, 740, 840 toward the vehicle V, to a greater degreethan other portions of the frame 12, 112, 612, 712, 812 when the frame12, 112, 612, 712, 812 is secured to the vehicle V. As shown in FIGS.3A, 4 and 5, the support flanges are designed to rest upon a shelf S ofa bumper B of certain vehicles. When the support flanges rest upon theshelf S the frame 12, 112, 612, 712, 812 will be engaged with the bumperB and will act to stabilize the frame and the respective mud flapassembly against the bumper B so that the frame will not shake orvibrate independently of the vehicle as much as it would if the supportflanges were not in contact with the bumper B. This enhances the wearlife of the frame and anchors the frame the vehicle in such a way that agreater amount of weight can be placed on the top plate when the mudflap assembly is in use. In some preferred embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 12, 13A and 13B, for example, support flanges 242 a, 242 b are notpart of the frame 212, but are instead separate pieces that arepreferably secured to the fame 212 with a series of connectors such asthe bolts 245 a, 245 b, washers 245 c, 245 d, 245 e, 245 f and nuts,preferably self locking nuts, 245 g, 245 h. These separate supportflange pieces are preferably of two types, a single flat piece or aflange 242 a that is connected to the frame 212 by a bolt 245 b passingthrough one of several openings 241 in the top plate 240, so that thesupport flange piece 242 a can be moved from place to place along thetop plate 240 where such openings 241 reside and are thereforeadjustable and repositionable, and a single angled piece 242 b that hasa bottom portion 242 d that preferably extends vertically away from topportion 242 c generally at a right angle that is inherent in thestructure. The top portion 242 c of the angled piece 242 b is generallyflat and its position with respect to the top plate 230 is adjustablebecause it is preferably secured to the frame 212 by a bolt 245 a thatpreferably extends through a slot or aperture 234 in the rear plate 230of the frame 212 (see FIG. 12) and then through one of two openings 244a, 244 b in the bottom portion 242 d of the angled piece 242 b, so a nut245 h can be tightly secured to the bolt 245 a to secure the bottomportion 242 d of the angled piece 242 b tightly against the rear plate230, and further so that the angled piece 242 b cannot slide against therear plate 230 and the bolt 245 a is unable to slide within the slot234. It will be appreciated that because the nut 245 h can be loosenedso as to allow the bolt 245 a to slide up or down within the confines ofthe edges of the slot 234, the angled piece 242 b is adjustably attachedto the frame 212. Furthermore, because the bottom portion 242 d has anupper opening 244 a and a lower opening 244 b, the angled piece 242 bcan be further repositioned by selecting one opening or the other forpassage of the bolt 245 a prior to tightening the nut 245 h to securethe angled piece 242 b against the rear plate 230 of the frame 212. Assuch, the support flanges 242 a, 242 b can be positioned to rest uponthe shelf S of the bumper B and will act to stabilize the frame and therespective mud flap assembly against the bumper B so that the frame willnot shake or vibrate independently of the vehicle as much as it would ifthe support flanges were not in contact with the bumper B.

Each of the respective mud flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a,250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250a, 1250 b can be secured to any frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612,712, 812, 1012, proximate respective longitudinal ends 14 a, 14 b, 114a, 114 b, 214 a, 214 b, 313 a, 314 b, 414 a, 414 b, 514 a, 514 b, 612 a,614 b, 714 a, 714 b, 814 a, 814 b, 1014 a, 1014 b, 1114 a, 1114 b, 1214a, 1214 b of the respective frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712,812, 1012. In one preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-10,for example, the hitch assembly 70 can be adjustably secured to theframe 12 by the securing assembly 84 such that when the hitch tongue 72is engaged with the hitch receiver 76 to provide a first point ofcontact with the vehicle V, the support flanges 42 of the top plate 40can engage or rest upon an upper surface S of the rear bumper B to givethe mud flap assembly 10 a second and a third point of contact with thevehicle V.

Preferred mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410 of the presentinvention, shown in FIGS. 1-10, 12-13B and 15A-15D each preferablyinclude a pair of stop assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 115 a, 115 b, 215 a, 215b, 415 a, 415 b, and each of the frames 312, 612 shown in FIGS. 14A-14Band 17 also include a pair of stop assemblies 315 a, 315 b, 615 a, 615b. Each of the stop assemblies include a stop 16 a, 16 b, 116 a, 116 b,216 a, 216 b, 316 a, 316 b, 416 a, 416 b, 616 a, 616 b, a bumper cap 17a, 17 b, 117 a, 117 b, 217 a, 217 b, 317 a, 317 b, 417 a, 417 b, 617 a,617 b and, in further preferred embodiments, a protective piece 21 a, 21b, 121 a, 121 b, 221 a, 221 b, 321 a, 321 b, 421 a, 421 b, 621 a, 621 bis also provided that is placed on the vehicle bumper B proximate aplace where the owner projects the bumper cap covering the stop willengage the bumper B when the stop and the bumper cap are pressed upagainst the bumper when the mud flap assembly is secured to the vehicleV in order to protect the bumper from abrasion at the point of contact.The stops 16 a, 16 b, 116 a, 116 b, 316 a, 316 b, 616 a, 616 b shown inFIGS. 1-10, 14A-14B and 17 are a part of the respective frame 12, 112,312 and 612, and the stop assemblies 215 a, 215 b, 415 a, 415 b shown inFIGS. 12-13B and 15A-15D are attached to the respective frames 212, 412using connectors of one kind or another. The stop assemblies 215 a, 215b shown in FIGS. 12-13B are secured to a universal frame 212 using abolt 219. The stop assemblies 415 a, 415 b shown in FIGS. 15A-15D arepivotally attached to a universal frame 412 by bolts 445 a that passthrough an aperture 441 in the top plate 440 of the frame 412 and anopening 419 in the pivotal stop 416 before a nut 445 d is threaded on tothe bolt 445 a to secure the stop assembly 415 a, 415 b to the top plate440 of the frame 412. When the universal frame 412 is secured to thevehicle V and the respective pivotal stop assemblies 415 a, 415 b arepivotally secured to the frame 412, the pivotal stop assemblies 415 a,415 b can be adjusted so as to pivot the stop assembly 415 a, 415 b withrespect to the top plate 440 of the frame 412 to engage the bumper cap417 a, 417 b covering the stop 416 a, 416 b with the bumper B of thevehicle V to further stabilize the mud flap assembly 410 with respect tothe bumper B. When the pivotal stop assemblies 415 a, 415 b is adjustedso as to pivot the stop assembly 415 a, 415 b toward the bumper B so asto engage the bumper cap 417 a, 417 b covering the stop 416 a, 416 bwith the bumper B the nut 445 d can be tightened against the stopassembly 415 a, 415 b so as to place a tension on the bumper B betweenthe bumper cap 417 a, 417 b and the bumper B.

The preferred mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 610 of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 1-8, 9-10A, 12-13B and 15A-15E, eachinclude a pair of stop assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 115 a, 115 b, 215 a, 215b, 315 a, 315 b, 415 a, 415 b. When the frames 12, 112, 212, 312, 412,512 are operatively installed on the vehicle V, the stop assemblies 15a, 15 b, 115 a, 115 b, 215 a, 215 b, 315 a, 315 b, 415 a, 415 b arepressed against a rear surface R of the bumper B to further stabilizethe mud flap assembly 10, 110, 210, 410 against the vehicle V. Theposition of the stop assemblies 415 a, 415 b, may be adjusted toaccommodate many types of vehicles V as will be discussed further below.Although a pair of stop assemblies are preferably provided with eachframe, if is contemplated that mud flap assemblies of the presentinvention may have from zero to three or more stop assemblies located invarious different positions with respect to the frame in order toaccommodate the various shapes and sizes of the variety of differentvehicle bumper types.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one preferred mud flap assembly 10. The mud flapassembly 10 preferably includes a frame 12 having first and second ends14 a, 14 b that generally span a bumper B of a vehicle V (partiallyshown) (see, for example, FIG. 3A). The frame 12 is preferably made ofextruded aluminum and includes one or more access openings 23 a, 23 b,23 c, 23 d to provide access to hitch wiring, safety chain and hitchreceiver (not shown). It will be understood that the access openings 23a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d can be of many shapes sizes and configurations. Theframe 12 preferably includes a rear plate 30 and a top plate 40.Preferably the rear plate 30 and the top plate 40 are generally residein separate planes that are generally perpendicular to one another thatmeet at an angle (a) of about 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the topplate 40 includes a support flange 42 that is arranged and configured tosit upon the step S of the bumper B. By having the support flange 42 situpon the bumper B when operatively installed, at least one contact pointis formed between the mud flap assembly 10 and the bumper B, whichstabilizes the mud flap assembly 10. The frame 12 preferably furtherincludes at least one stop assembly 15 a, 15 b extending from the frame12. Each stop assembly 15 a, 15 b preferably includes a stop 16 a, 16 band a bumper cap 17 a, 17 b. The stop assemblies provide the respectivemud flap assemblies with additional points of contact with the bumper Bof the vehicle V to further stabilize the mud flap assemblies withrespect to the vehicle V.

At first and second ends 14 a, 14 b of the frame 12, proximate the tiresof the vehicle (not shown); flap panels 50 a, 50 b are secured to andextend downwardly from the frame 12. The flap panels 50 a, 50 bgenerally block dirt, debris or rocks kicked-up by the tires fromdamaging the apparatus being towed by the vehicle V via the hitchassembly 70. Flap panels 50 a, 50 b disclosed herein are preferably madeof flexible material such as masticated rubber or the like. Preferably,the flap panels 50 a, 50 b are secured to the frame 12 with nuts 52 a,bolts 52 b and washers 52 c.

To further protect the apparatus being towed (not shown) by the mud flapassembly 10, preferred frames 12 will be configured such that the topplate 40 generally mirrors the curvature of the bumper B to minimize thespace between the top plate 40 and the bumper B such that rocks andother debris (not shown) cannot easily escape upwardly from the mud flapassembly 10.

Preferred mud flap assemblies 10 further include at least one stop 16 a,16 b proximate each end 14 a, 14 b of the frame 12. Each stop 16 a, 16 bis arranged and configured to provide another contact point between themud flap assembly 10 and the bumper B of the vehicle V. In preferredembodiments, each stop 16 a, 16 b is arranged and configured such thatwhen the stop 16 a, 16 b contacts the bumper B and the hitch tongue 72is inserted within a hitch receiver opening 77 of the hitch receiver 76,hitch tongue 72 apertures 74 and hitch receiver 76 apertures 78 arealigned. It is believed that such a configuration provides faster andeasier installation of the mud flap assembly 10. Optionally, the mudflap assembly 10 can also include a protective piece 21 a, 21 b that canbe securable to the bumper B such that each stop 16 a,16 b contacts onerespective protective piece 21 a, 21 b and prevents and marring orpotential damage to the bumper B due to contact with the respectivebumper cap 17 a, 17 b. The protective piece 21 a, 21 b can be vinylstatic-cling material, an adhesive sticker or the like.

Preferred mud flap assemblies 10 are adjustable so that they canaccommodate many types of vehicles and hitch assembly 70 configurations.In preferred embodiments, the frame 12 includes a hitch opening 18 andfour slots 20 proximate the hitch opening 18. Referring now also toFIGS. 2C-2F, a securing assembly or securement bracket 84 is preferablyused to connect the hitch tongue 72 to the frame 12. Preferred securingassemblies 84 include two clamp halves 86 a, 86 b interconnected by twolong bolts, preferably long carriage bolts 88 a, and corresponding nuts88 b and washers 88 c used to secure the respective clamp halves 86 a,86 b together to form a central clamp opening 90 for receiving the hitchtongue 72. The securing assembly 84 will also include four small bolts94 a; preferably small carriage bolts 94 a to secure the respectiveclamp halves 86 a, 86 b to the frame 12. The clamp halves 86 a, 86 b arepreferably secured to the frame 12 by inserting the respective smallcarriage bolts 94 a through the respective slots 20 in the frame 12 andthrough small bolt receiving openings 87 in each of the respective sidesof the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b and nuts 94 b and washers 94 care preferably used to secure the small bolts 94 a to the clamp halves86 a, 86 b and the frame 12. The small carriage bolts 94 a, 94 b have asquared off shank portion (not shown), similar to a squared off shankportion 88 a″ below the head 88 a′ of the preferred long carriage bolts88 a, so that the nuts 94 b can be easily tightened against therespective clamp half 86 a, 86 b with a single wrench when the squaredoff shank portion resides within the respective slot 20.

The two long carriage bolts 88 a are used to secure the respective clamphalves 86 a, 86 b to one another on opposite sides of a hitch tongue 72,when the securing assembly 84 is secured to the hitch tongue 72. Therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b are preferably pieces cut from analuminum extrusion (not shown). The aluminum extrusion is preferably a20 foot extrusion and the piece are preferably cut from the extrusionwith a band saw in widths of from about 1.0 to about 1.5 inches,preferably about 1.25 inches, to create side surfaces 97 above and belowthree channels 89, 91, 89 in each of the respective clamp halves 86 a,86 b. Each clamp half 86 a, 86 b will preferably have a left side 86 a′,86 b′ and a right side 86 a″, 86 b″ that are mirror images of oneanother and each of the respective sides 86 a′, 86 b′, 86 a″, 86 b″ willeach preferably include an aperture 87 for receiving the short carriagebolts 94 a, so that the short carriage bolts 94 a can secure therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b to the frame 12. In preferredembodiments the apertures 87 will be machined, stamped or punched,preferably punched into the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b. Eachside 86 a′, 86 b′, 86 a″, 86 b″ will preferably have a long carriagebolt receiving opening 89, preferably a channel 89 that extends from oneside surface 97 of the respective clamp half 86 a, 86 b to another. Thelong carriage bolt receiving opening channel 89 will preferably have across-sectional shape that is generally square so as to receive theshank portion 88 a″ of the long carriage bolts 88 a, so that the nuts 88b can be easily tightened against the respective clamp half 86 a, 86 bwith a single wrench when the squared off shank portion 88 a″ resideswithin the respective channel 89. Each of the respective clamp halves 86a, 86 b preferably have a central channel 91 at least partial defined bya flange 96 a, 96 b. The respective flanges 96 a, 96 b extend upwardfrom the base of each of the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 bexpanding the area of the respective side surfaces 97, adjacent to therespective long carriage bolt receiving channels 89, against which theheads 88 a′ of the long carriage bolts 88 a and the washers 88 c and/ornuts 88 b that secure the respective long carriage bolts 88 a to therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, will press when the securingassembly 84 is secured to the hitch tongue 72. This extended surfacearea is believed to reduce the stress that is placed upon the respectivelong carriage bolts 88 a when the securing assembly 84 is secured to thehitch tongue 72. It will be appreciated that the respective channels 89,91, 89 allow the die (not shown) used to make the aluminum extrusion(not shown) from which the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b are cut,to be simplified, which greatly reduces to cost of production for therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b. Creating channels as opposed tomachining a channel or an aperture from top to bottom in the respectiveside surfaces 97 of each of the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b isbelieved to significantly reduce to cost per piece of the respectiveclamp halves.

The clamp halves 86 a, 86 b are secured to the frame 12 with shortcarriage bolts 94 a with nuts 94 b and washers 94 c. The short carriagebolts 94 a pass through slots 20 in the frame 12 and apertures 87 in theclamp halves 86 a, 86 b (see, for example, FIGS. 1, 2A-2D). Preferably,the slots 20 provide for adjustable placement of the short carriagebolts 94 a or the like to accommodate various hitch assembly 70 sizesand to permit the securing assembly 84 to be adjustably orientedvertically with respect to the frame and the frame with respect to thebumper B and the vehicle V.

The frame 12 also preferably includes at least one exhaust opening 22that is aligned with a corresponding aperture 54 a in the respectiveflap panel 50 b. Each flap panel 50 a, 50 b may include one or moreoutlines 54 b for a user to trace and cut an aperture 54 a in the flappanel 50 b, if desired. It is noted that there is no outline proximate54 a, because the exhaust aperture 54 a has already been cut where theoutline would be located. The outline may be formed by a marking, scorededge or the like. The exhaust openings in the frame 12 and exhaustopening 54 a respective flap panel 50 a, 50 b are preferably alignedproximate the vehicle exhaust pipe P so that the mud flap assembly 10allows for suitable ventilation of hot exhaust away from the vehicle V.Such an exhaust opening 22 is particularly beneficial for models oftrucks, such as the Dodge 1500 model truck, which includes an exhaustpipe that would be located close to the flap panel 50 b. The frame 12may also include decorative apertures 24 a, 24 b, 24 c 24 d, 24 etextures or designs, as desired.

In preferred embodiments, the frame 12 further includes a bent lip 26 a,26 b proximate the flap panels 50 a, 50 b, which allows the respectiveflap panels 50 a, 50 b to flex upwardly as the vehicle moves forward andair resistance pushes the bottoms of the respective flap panels awayfrom the vehicle when the mud flap assembly 10 is secured to thevehicle. The bent lips 26 a, 26 b also provide greater strength to therespective rear plates 30 a, 30 b to resist horizontal deformation.Corresponding bent lips 126 a, 126 b, 226 a, 226 b, 326 a, 326 b, 426 a,426 b, 526 a, 526 b, 626 a, 626 b, 726 a, 726 b, 826 a, 826 b, 1026 a,1026 b, 1126 a, 1126 b, 1226 a, 1226 b are also provided in each of theother respective embodiments described below.

One alternate mud flap assembly 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-10A. Ascan be seen, the mud flap assembly 110 includes most of the sameelements of the mud flap assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-8, but has an alternateframe 12 design including two access openings 123 a, 123 b on eitherside of a hitch opening 118. It is noted that the access openings 123 a,123 b can be of many shapes and sizes and that such shapes and sizes. Ascan be seen, mud flap assembly 110 includes a frame 112 having a firstend 114 a, a second end 114 b, a rear plate 130 and a top plate 140having a support flange 142. Extending from the rear plate 130 arepreferably at least one stop assembly 115 a, 115 b having bumper caps117 a, 117 b. The frame 112 may also include a hitch opening 118, slots120, decorative apertures 124 a, 124 b 124 c 124 d, 124 d, 124 e and atleast one exhaust opening 122. The frame 112 can be secured to flappanels 150 a, 150 b with fasteners 152 b or the like. The mud flapassembly 110 can be secured to a hitch assembly 70 with a securingassembly 84 or the like (see also, for example, FIG. 4 and relateddisclosure).

FIGS. 10B and 10C illustrate a preferred gusset member 166 that can beplug welded to the frame 112 below the top plate 140 and proximate thesupport flanges 142 to strengthen the alternate frame 112. Although theframes of the present invention are preferably made of extrudedaluminum, they may be made out of other metal materials and even hardplastics and composite material in alternate embodiments. In preferredembodiments the gusset member 166 will also be made of extruded aluminumand the gusset member is plug welded at a plurality of plug openings168, spot welded at a plurality of positions or alternately connectedwith bolts, screws or other fasteners (not shown). The gusset member 166can be added to the frame 112 to strengthen the frame so that the framecan better resist the forces applied to the extremities of the frame 112during normal use.

FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred heat plate 60 that can be secured to oneor more of the flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 bof the disclosed mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 1010, 1110,1210. The heat plate 60 is preferably made of extruded aluminum and ispositioned proximate an exhaust pipe P such that the heat from theexhaust exiting the exhaust pipe P is dissipated by the plate 60 and theflap panel 50 a, 50 b is protected from heat damage (see also, FIG. 15).The heat plate 60 may include upper and lower lips 62 a, 62 b that makeit easier for the respective flap panel 50 a, 50 b to flex. Mud flapassemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 1010, 1110, and 1210 may include aheat plate 60 for each flap panel 50 a, 50 b, etc. or just one or noheat plates, as desired. The heat plate will preferably secured to theflap panels with mechanical fasteners such as bolts with washers andnuts (not shown), but other conventional mechanisms from securing theheat plates to the flap panels are also envisioned within the scope ofthe present invention.

Referring now also to FIGS. 12-13B, which disclose another preferred mudflap assembly 210 that is adjustable to accommodate many differentvehicle and bumper types. The preferred mud flap assembly 210 includes aframe 212 that generally spans a bumper B of a vehicle V (see also, forexample, FIG. 3A). The frame 212 includes one or more access openings223 a, 223 b, 223 c, 223 d to provide access to hitch pins, cotter pins,hitch wiring, safety chains and hitch receivers (not shown). It will beunderstood that the access openings 223 a, 223 b, 223 c, 223 d can be ofmany sizes and shapes. The frame 212 preferably includes a rear plate230 and a top plate 240. In preferred embodiments the rear plate 230 andthe top plate 240 are at an angle (a′) of approximately 90 degrees withrespect to each other. The top plate 240 includes a plurality of supportflange pieces 242 a, 242 b that are preferably arranged and configuredto sit upon the step S of the bumper B.

In this embodiment, there are four support flanges 242 a, 242 bextending from the frame 212. The support flanges 242 a are adjustablelaterally along the length of the frame 212 and can be secured within aplurality of apertures 241 of the frame 212 with a bolt 245 b, washers245 c, lock washers 245 d and nuts 245 e or the like. Support flanges242 b can alternatively be used and are adjustable in height toaccommodate many different vehicles by securing a bolt 245 a withinslots 234 in the frame 212 and a pair of apertures 244 a, 244 b thelower portion 242 d of support flange 242 b with bolts 245 a, flatwashers 245 c, lock washers 245 g and nuts 245 h or the like.

In this embodiment, the support flanges 242 b are adjustable in thatthey include a plurality of adjustment apertures 244 a, 244 b that canbe aligned with corresponding frame apertures 234 to selectivelyposition the respective support flange 242 b at a desired height oncesecured in place with a bolt 245 a, flat washer 245 c, lock washer 245 gand nut 245 h, for example (see also, for example, FIG. 13A in whichsupport flanges 242 b are illustrated at different heights with respectto the frame 212). Preferably, the support flanges 242 a, 242 b areadjusted such that they will sit upon the step S of the bumper B. Aswith previously disclosed embodiments, by having at least one supportflange 242 a, 242 b sit upon the step S of the bumper B when operativelyinstalled, additional contact points are formed between the mud flapassembly 210 and the bumper B of the vehicle V, which stabilizes the mudflap assembly 210. The frame 212 preferably further includes twoadjustable stop assemblies 215 a, 215 b. Each stop assembly 215 a, 215 bincluding a stop 216 a, 216 b and a bumper cap 217 a, 217 b that extendfrom the frame 212 that provide two additional contact points with thevehicle that can stabilize the mud flap assembly 210. These additionalpoints of contact help to further stabilize the respective mud flapassemblies with respect to the vehicle so as to minimize the degree towhich the frames of the respective mud flap assemblies vibrate and moveindependently of the vehicle.

At first and second ends 214 a, 214 b of the frame 212, proximate thetires of the vehicle (not shown); flap panels 250 a, 250 b are securedto and extend downwardly from the frame 212. The flap panels 250 a, 250b generally block any dirt, debris or rocks kicked-up by the tires fromdamaging the trailer and apparatus being towed by the vehicle (notshown). The flap panels 250 a, 250 b are secured to the frame 212, forexample, with nuts 252 a, bolts 252 b and washers 252 c.

As with previously discussed embodiments, the mud flap assembly 210 ofFIGS. 12-13B further includes at least one adjustable stop assembly 215a, 215 b proximate each, or at least one end 214 a, 214 b of the frame212. Each stop assembly 215 a, 215 b can preferably be adjusted toprovide another contact point between the mud flap assembly 210 and thebumper B of the vehicle V. In preferred embodiments, the stop assembly215 a, 215 b is adjustable such that when the respective stop ispositioned against the bumper B, the hitch tongue aperture and hitchreceiver opening 277 are aligned (as generally seen in FIGS. 3B and 10illustrating hitch receiver 76 having hitch receiver opening 77, hitchaperture 78 and hitch tongue 72 having aperture 74). Such aconfiguration provides faster and easier installation of the mud flapassembly 210. One preferred way of making the stop assemblies 215 a, 215b adjustable is to have the caps 217 a, 217 b arranged and configured sothat they can be twisted like a threaded screw to either extendoutwardly or inwardly from the stops 216 a, 216 b. It will be understoodthat there are numerous other ways in which the stop assemblies can bemade adjustable to achieve the desired result of creating contact pointswith the bumper of a vehicle to stabilized the mud flap assembly andprovide an alignment aid for the hitch tongue aperture and hitchreceiver aperture.

The mud flap assembly 210 is also preferably further adjustable in thatthe frame 212 includes a hitch opening 218 and four slots 220 proximatethe hitch opening 218. As with prior embodiments, a securing assembly orsecurement bracket 284 is preferably used to secure the shaft or hitchtongue 72 of the hitch assembly 70 to the frame 212 (see also, FIG. 2Dillustrating one preferred securing assembly 284 in an exploded view).Preferred securing assemblies 284 include two clamp halves 286 a, 286 binterconnected with long carriage bolts 288 a, nuts 288 b and washers288 c to form a central clamp opening 290 for receiving the shaft orhitch tongue (see also, hitch tongue 72). Each clamp half 286 a, 286 bpreferably includes at least one support flange 296 a, 296 b to contactthe shaft or hitch tongue (see also, hitch tongue 72) and also toprovide support for the long carriage bolts 288 a, as discussed earlier.The clamp halves 286 a, 286 b are secured to the frame 212 with shortcarriage bolts 294 a located within the frame slots 220 with nuts 294 band washers 294 c. The short carriage bolts 294 a can be secured withinapertures in the clamp halves 286 a, 286 b (see also, for example, FIG.2D).

The frame 212 can also include at least one exhaust opening 222 that isaligned with a corresponding aperture 254 a in the respective flap panel250 b. Each flap panel 250 a, 250 b may include one or more outlines 254b for a user to trace and cut exhaust openings in the flap panel, ifdesired. The exhaust openings 222 in the frame 212 and exhaust opening254 a in the respective flap panel 250 b are preferably alignedproximate the vehicle exhaust pipe P (see also, FIG. 3B) so that the mudflap assembly 210 ventilates hot exhaust away from the vehicle V. Theoutline may be a marking, scored edge or the like. The frame 212 mayalso include decorative apertures 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d, and 224 eas desired. In preferred embodiments, the frame 212 further includes abent lip 226 a, 226 b proximate each of the flap panels 250 a, 250 bsuch that the flap panels 250 a, 250 b can flex upwardly.

Now referring also to FIGS. 14A-14B that illustrate another preferredframe 312 that can be used with any of the various parts of disclosedmud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 1010, 1110, 1210 or be usedas a replacement for frames 12, 112, 212, 412, 512, 1012. It will beunderstood that the frame 312 operates in largely the same manner asother frames disclosed herein and also includes a rear plate 330 and atop plate 340. Frame 312 does differ from those others disclosed in thateach stop assembly 315 a, 315 b is cut from and extends from the rearplate 330 of the frame 312 after mechanical force is used to bend thecut piece so that it ultimate resides in a plane that stands generallyat an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a plane in which therear plate resides. As with previous embodiments, the frame 312 mayinclude one or more exhaust openings 322 or decorative apertures 324 a,324 b, 324 c, 324 d, 324 e, as desired.

This frame 312 is also equipped with a flexible flap 347, which can beused with any of the frames disclosed herein. The flexible flap isdesigned to cover an access opening 323 which can generally preventrocks, debris and mud from flying through the access opening when thewheels of the vehicle cause them to fly up from underneath the vehicleand potentially come through any of the access openings 323. It will beappreciated that the access openings 323 can be many shapes and sizes.It will also be appreciated that the flap 347 may be made of anyflexible materials available in the marketplace and also, in alternateembodiments, of materials that are not especially flexible, but that canbe secured to the front of the frame proximate one access opening 323 bya hinge or a plurality of hinges and then hinged so that it can coverthe access opening 323 and yet allow access to a hand H of a user, in amanner that is similar to that shown in FIG. 14A. In preferredembodiments, the flap 347 will be of flexible material and it will besecured to the front of the frame 312 by a strip of adhesive material348, preferably a strip of double backed industrial grade mounting tapeor the like, so that the flap 347 will cover one access opening 323 andgenerally prevent rocks, debris and mud from flying through the accessopening to damage or impact upon the trailer or other apparatus hauledby the vehicle. In alternate embodiment the flexible flap 347 can alsobe secured to the front of the frame by glue, double backed adhesivetabs, screws, snaps, corresponding components of hook and loop fastenersthat have an adhesive backings and the like.

Now also referring to FIGS. 15A-15E, which collectively illustrate yetanother preferred mud flap assembly 410. The mud flap assembly 410includes a frame 412 that generally spans a bumper B of a vehicle V (seealso, frame 12 shown in FIG. 3A). The frame 412 includes two accessopenings 423 a, 423 b to provide access to hitch wiring, safety chainand hitch receiver (not shown). The frame 412 preferably includes a rearplate 430 and a top plate 440. In preferred embodiments, the rear plate430 preferably is at an angle (a″) of approximately 90 degrees withrespect to the top plate 440. The top plate 440 includes two supportflanges 442 a, 442 b that are secured to apertures 441 the frame 412with bolts 445 a, flat washers 445 b, lock washers 445 c, and nuts 445d. The support flanges 442 a, 442 b are preferably arranged andconfigured to sit upon the step S of the bumper B (see also, FIG. 3A).By having the support flanges 442 a, 442 b sit upon the bumper whenoperatively installed, two additional contact points are establishedbetween the mud flap assembly 410 and the vehicle, which stabilize themud flap assembly 410 with respect to the vehicle V when the frame issecured to the vehicle.

As with previous embodiments, at first and second ends 414 a, 414 b ofthe frame 412, proximate the tires of the vehicle V (not shown), flappanels 450 a, 450 b are secured to and extend downwardly from the frame412. Preferably, the flap panels 450 a, 450 b are secured to the frame412 with nuts 452 a, bolts 452 b and washers 452 c or the like.

The mud flap assembly 410 further includes at least one stop assembly415 a, 415 b proximate each end 414 a, 414 b of the frame 412. Each stopassembly 415 a, 415 b preferably includes a stop 416 a, 416 b connectedto a cap 417 a, 417 b. Each stop assembly 415 a, 415 b is arranged andconfigured to provide another contact point between the mud flapassembly 410 and the bumper B of the vehicle V (see also, FIG. 3A andrelated disclosure, for example). In preferred embodiments, each stopassembly 415 a, 415 b is arranged and configured such that when the cap417 a, 417 b contacts the bumper B, the hitch tongue apertures and hitchreceiver apertures are aligned for insertion of a pin (see also FIGS. 3Band 4 illustrating hitch tongue aperture 74 and hitch receiver aperture78 and related disclosure). Such a configuration provides faster andeasier installation of the mud flap assembly 410.

As with previous embodiments, the mud flap assembly 410 is adjustablesuch that the mud flap assembly 410 can accommodate many types ofvehicles and hitch configurations. The frame 412 includes a generallyU-shaped hitch opening 418, and four slots 420 proximate the hitchopening 418. A securing assembly 484 is preferably used to secure theshaft or hitch tongue 72 to the frame 412 (see also, for example, FIGS.3B and 4 illustrating hitch tongue 72, the securing assembly 84 andrelated disclosure). The preferred securing assembly 484 includes twoclamp halves 486 a, 486 b interconnected with long carriage bolts 488 a,nuts 488 b and washers 488 c to form a central clamp opening 490 forreceiving a hitch tongue. Each clamp half 486 a, 486 b preferablyincludes at least one support flange 496 a, 496 b to contact and supportthe hitch tongue and provides support for the long carriage bolts 488 a(see also, FIG. 2C and related disclosure). The clamp halves 486 a, 486b are preferably secured to the frame 412 with short carriage bolts 494a located within the frame slots 420 with nuts 494 b, flat washers 494 cand lock washers 494 d. The short carriage bolts 494 a can be securedwithin apertures in the clamp halves 486 a, 486 b (see also, apertures87, FIGS. 1, 2A-2D and related disclosure). It will be appreciated thatthe securing assemblies 84, 284, 484, 584 may be assembled and securedto the frame of the preferred mud flap assembly on either side, front orback, even though it is preferred to assemble the respective securingassembly on the front side as shown in the respective drawing figures.

The frame 412 also preferably comprises at least one exhaust opening 422that is aligned with a corresponding aperture 454 a in the respectiveflap panel 450 b. The flap panel 450 b proximate the exhaust pipe mayinclude one or more outlines 454 b for a user to trace and cutadditional exhaust openings in the flap panel 450 b, if desired. Eachoutline 454 b may be formed by a marking, scored edge or the like. Theone or more exhaust openings 422 in the frame 412 and respective flappanel 450 b preferably aligned proximate the vehicle exhaust pipe (seealso, FIG. 11) so that the mud flap assembly 410 ventilates hot exhaustaway from the vehicle.

In preferred embodiments, the frame 412 further includes a bent lip 426a, 426 b at first and second ends 414 a, 414 b proximate the respectiveflap panels 450 a, 450 b such that the flap panels 450 a, 450 b can flexupwardly. The bent lip 426 a, 426 b will also help the frames to resistforces that tend to make the frame 412 bend along the frame's length.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 15D and 15E, the frame 412 ispreferably equipped with a pair of adjustable stop assemblies 415 a, 415b that are secured to the frame 412 by fasteners of any kind known inthe art, preferably by bolts 445 a and nuts 445 d that sandwich theframe 412 and a plurality of washers 445 b, 445 c around the adjustablestop 416 a, 416 b. When the stop assembly 415 a, 415 b is secured to theframe 412 by the nut 445 d and the bolt 445 a, the stop 416 a, 416 b canpivot to some degree about the bolt 445 a. As such, the user can adjustthe stop assembly by turning the stop 416 a, 416 b about the bolt 445 a,thereby pressing it against the rear R of the bumper B to create a moreforceful engagement of the bumper B by the stop assembly 415 a, 415 b,thereby increasingly stabilizing the frame against the bumper B. Theadditional points of contact between the frame and the bumper, providedby the stops or the stop assemblies, help to stabilize the frame of therespective mud flap assemblies with respect to the vehicle so as tominimize the degree to which the frames vibrate and move independentlyof the vehicle.

In preferred embodiments, when the frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512,612, 712, 812, 1012 is secured to the vehicle V, the shaft 72 of thehitch assembly 70 can be secured to the hitch receiver 76 when thesecuring assembly 84, 284, 484, 584 is loosely attached to the frame 12,112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 1012 and the frame 512 via themounting plate 519 when the mounting plate 519 is attached to the frame512, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16D, but not tightly secured. As such, theshaft 72 will be threaded through one of the respective hitch openings18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 a, 618, 718, 818, 1018 and the fullyassembled, but loosely secured securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584,1084. Alternatively, the respective securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584,1084 can be fully assembled and loosely secured and engaged with therespective frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 612, 712, 812, 1012 or therespective frame 512 by attachment to the mounting plate 519, in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-D, where mounting plate 519 is secured toframe 512, so that the nuts 88 b, 288, 488 b, 588 b that are engagedwith the long carriage bolts 88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a that pass throughthe respective long carriage bolt receiving channels 89 of therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a,586 b will be fully engaged to create a central clamp opening 90, 290,490, 590, but will not be tightened down, so to speak, and the shortcarriage bolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a will also be loosely engagedwith respective washers 94 c, 294 c, 494 c, 594 c and nuts 94 b, 294 b,494 b, 594 b so that the shaft 72, which is positioned within the hitchopening 18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 a, 618, 718, 818, 1018 and withinthe central clamp opening 90, 290, 490, 590 between the respective clamphalves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a, 586 b will be ableto move back and forth within the hitch opening and the central clampopening between the respective clamp halves. This will allow the frameto be tightly secured against the bumper B, because the frame can bepressed hard against the bumper B, when the shaft 72 is positioned inthis way between the respective clamp halves so that the supportflange(s) and the stops or stop assemblies are in contact with thebumper and the frame is in tension against the bumper B when the nuts 88b, 288, 488 b, 588 b are turned in order to tighten them to the longcarriage bolts 88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a that pass through therespective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a,586 b. When the nuts are turned in this way, the clamp halves willtightened down against the shaft 72, so that the shaft 72 is fullysecured to the frame in a position in which the frame is in tension withthe bumper B, so much so that the respective frame forces the stops orstop assemblies against the bumper B so that the stops or stopassemblies will be biased against the bumper with a constant force tokeep the stops or stop assemblies engaged against the bumper B so as tostabilize the frame at the respective points of contact between theframe and the bumper B, which is believed to minimize the degree towhich the respective frame vibrates and moves independently of thevehicle V. Each of the nuts on the long carriage bolts are then torquedto 32 ft. lbs. to even the tightness on associated with each of the longcarriage bolt fasteners.

After the nuts 94 b, 294 b, 494 b, 594 b are tightened against the lowerof the two clamp halves 86 b, 286 b, 486 b, 586 b to tightly secure theshaft or hitch tongue 72 within the central clamp halve opening 90, 290,490, 590, downward force can be placed on respective the respectiveframe 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812 and/or the respectivesupport flanges 42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542, 642, 742, 842 so that thesupport flanges are in contact with and engaged with the bumper B,because the nuts 94 b, 294 b, 494 b, 94 b on the short carriage bolts 94a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a are still loosely secured in order to allow theshort carriage bolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a to slide up and downwithin the respective slots 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820to enable the securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584 to adjust its verticalorientation to the respective frame or mounting plate in a position thatallows the support flanges 42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542, 642, 742, 842 tobe in contact and engaged with the bumper B. The nuts 94 b, 294 b, 494b, 594 b are then turned around the short carriage bolts 94 a, 294 a,494 a, 594 a to tighten the respective clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a,286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a, 586 b to the respective frame 12, 112, 212,312, 412, 612, 712, 812, 1012 or the respective mounting plate 519 (inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-D, where mounting plate 519 is securedto frame 512). Each of the nuts on the short carriage bolts are thentorqued to 32 ft. lbs. to even the tightness associated with each of theshort bolt fasteners. The respective mud flap assemblies are then fullysecured the vehicle so that the respective mud flap assemblies are in aslight tension both with the rear of the bumper B and with the top ofthe bumper B to stabilize the respective frame at a plurality of contactpoints where the respective mud flap assembly is in contact with thevehicle V.

Now also referring to FIGS. 16A-16D, which collectively illustrate afurther preferred mud flap assembly 510, which is largely similar tothose mud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 1010, 1110, 1210 disclosedherein; the mud flap assembly 510 includes a universal frame 512 similarto the universal frame 412 shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, each of whichgenerally span a bumper B of a vehicle V (not shown) in the manner shownin FIGS. 3A-6 (see for example, FIG. 3A). The universal frame 512preferably includes a rear plate 530 and a top plate 540.

The universal frame 512 preferably includes an enlarged opening 518 anda mounting plate 519 that has four slots 520 for securing the securingassembly 584. The slots 520 are proximate a hitch opening 518 a in themounting plate 519 through which a hitch tongue or a shaft 72 of a hitchassembly 70, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, can be received (see also,FIG. 2D and related disclosure) and secured by the securing assembly584. The mounting plate 519 can be fastened to the frame 512 withfasteners such as bolts 521 a and corresponding nuts 521 b and washers521 c inserted through apertures 528 in the mounting plate 519 andapertures 523 in the frame 512. As such, the mounting plate 519functions as a part of the frame 512, providing the slots 520 adjacentto the hitch opening 518 a, where a securing assembly 584 similar tothat shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, can be secured. It will be appreciatedthat the enlarged opening 518 will give the frame 512 additionalversatility to accommodate a variety of different hitch assemblies, byaccepting a specialized mounting plate designed to accommodation specialaspects of the hitch assembly that may not be compatible with hitchopenings in the other frames disclosed herein.

As with prior embodiments, the securing assembly 584 (FIG. 16B, 16D) canbe used to secure a hitch tongue assembly (not shown) to the frame 512in a manner similar to that discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1, 2B-2D.As in the previous disclosed embodiments, the preferred securingassemblies 584 include two clamp halves 586 a, 586 b interconnected withlong carriage bolts 588 a, nuts 588 b and washers 588 c that can besecured to clamp a hitch tongue (not shown) of a hitch assembly (notshown) within the plate opening 590 of the mounting plate 519 to securethe hitch assembly (not shown) to the frame 512 when the mounting plate519 is secured to the frame 512. Each clamp half 586 a, 586 b preferablyincludes at least once support flange 592 a, 592 b to contact the hitchtongue (not shown). The clamp halves 586 a, 586 b are secured to themounting plate 519 with short carriage bolts 594 a located within theslots 520. The short carriage bolts 594 a can be secured withinapertures 587 in the clamp halves 586 a, 586 b (see also, for example,FIGS. 1, 2A-2D) with nuts 594 b, flat washers 594 c and lock washers 594d.

The frame 512 can also include at least one exhaust opening 522 that isaligned with a corresponding aperture 554 a in the respective flap panel550 b. Each flap panel 550 a, 550 b may include one or more outlines 554b for a user to trace and cut additional exhaust openings in the flappanels 550 a, 550 b, if desired. In alternate embodiments, the outlinescan be scored, perforated or the like, to make it easier for the user toremove the outlined material to make a suitable aperture to correspondwith an exhaust opening 522 in the frame 512. The at least one exhaustopening 522 in the frame 512 and respective flap panel 550 b ispreferably generally aligned proximate the vehicle exhaust pipe P sothat the mud flap assembly 510 ventilates hot exhaust away from thevehicle V. The frame 512 may also include decorative apertures 524 a,524 b, 524 c, 524 d, and 524 e as desired that compliment the decorativeaspects of the exhaust opening 522. For some vehicle models, a secondexhaust opening (not shown) can be preferably provided, preferablyopposite the first exhaust opening 522. The exhaust opening can have anyshape, but the decorative shape of a circle is preferred in order toprovide continuity with the decorative shape of the proximate decorativeapertures 524 a, 524 b, 524 c, 524 d, and 524 e in the frame 512.

At first and second ends 514 a, 514 b of the frame 512, proximate thetires (not shown) of the vehicle V (not shown); the flap panels 550 a,550 b are secured to and extend downwardly from the frame 512. The flappanels 550 a, 550 b generally block any dirt, debris or rocks kicked-upby the tires from damaging the trailer and apparatus (not shown) beingtowed by the vehicle via the hitch assembly (see also, hitch assembly 70and related disclosure). As with previous embodiments, flap panels 550a, 550 b are preferably made of flexible material such as masticatedrubber or the like. Preferably, the flap panels 550 a, 550 b are securedto the frame 512 with nuts 552 a, bolts 552 b and washers 552 c.

The frame 512 also includes a top plate 540 including one or moreapertures 541 for the optional securing of a support flange piece orpieces (not shown), similar to the support flange piece 242 a, 242 bshown in FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, or the support flange pieces 442 a, 442 b,shown in FIGS. 15A-15C to sit upon a step S of a bumper B of a vehicle(not shown) similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A-6. For example, seeapertures 541 in FIG. 16D, as well as corresponding apertures 241 andsupport flanges 242 a, 242 b shown in FIG. 13A and the relateddisclosure. Also note the corresponding disclosure of support flanges442 a, 442 b secured to the universal frame 412 by bolts 445 a that passthrough apertures 441, as shown in FIG. 15A-15C, and as noted in therelated disclosure.

The universal frame 512 can also have stops (not shown) that areprovided by stop assemblies (not shown) of the type that can be securedto the top plate 540, through apertures 541 in the manner in which stopassemblies 415 a, 415 b are secured to the universal frame 412 as shownin FIGS. 15A-15E.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative multi-piece frame 612 that can beused to provide a mud flap assembly (not shown) largely similar to themud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 1010, 1110, 1210 disclosedherein by attaching a pair of flap panels (not shown) in a mannercorresponding to the manner disclosed above for similar mud flapassemblies. The multi-piece frame 612 allows the manufacturer greatflexibility in shipping and auto body repair shops greater repairflexibility when repairing such a multi-piece frame 612 if one of thepieces is damaged and requires repair. Three separate pieces 613 a, 613b, 613 c are secured together by fasteners of any kind known in the art,preferably by bolts 629.

The frame 612 is preferably sized to generally span the bumper B of avehicle V (not shown) in a manner similar to that of other embodimentsdisclosed herein (see for example, FIG. 3). The frame 612 includes acenter portion 613 a preferably secured to two side portions 613 b, 613c with bolts 629 or other fasteners that are well known in the art. Asit will be understood, the center portion 613 a can be connected to theside portions 613, 613 c in many ways including welding, othermechanical fastening and the like. The center portion 613 a includes twoaccess openings 623 a, 623 b to provide access to hitch wiring, safetychain and hitch receiver (not shown). The two side portions 613 b, 613 ccan also include access openings 623 c, 623 d, which further provideaccess to hitch wiring, safety chain and hitch receiver (not shown).Each portion further includes a rear plate 630 a, 630 b, 630 c and a topplate 640 a, 640 b, 640 c. The top plate 640 a preferably includes asupport flange 642 that can sit upon a step S of a bumper B of a vehicleas described and illustrated with previously discussed embodiments. Theframe 612 preferably further includes a hitch aperture 618 and aplurality of slots 620 for securing a securing assembly (not shown) tothe frame 612, such as the securing assembly 84 disclosed in FIGS. 2C-2Dand the related disclosure, for example. Moreover, the frame 612 mayinclude one or more exhaust openings 622 and decorative apertures 624 a,624 b, 624 c, 624 d, 624 e similar to previously discussed frameembodiments, each of which provide ornamental elements to the frame 612and are designed to be circular in shape to provide a consistentornamental appearance to the rear plates 630 b, 630 c of the multi-pieceframe 612. The multi-piece frame 612 preferably has first and secondends 614 a, 614 b. In preferred embodiments, the multi-piece frame 612further includes bent lips 626 a, 626 b proximate the bottom of the rearplates 630 b, 630 c of the respective side portions 613 b, 613 c, suchthat flap panels secured to the frame can easily flex upwardly duringuse and also provide greater strength to the respective rear plates 630a, 630 b to resist horizontal deformation.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate a further alternate multi-piece frame 712 thatis expandable to enable the user to adjust the length of the frame 712,so that the adjustable multi-piece frame 712 can be used to form mudflap assemblies having all of the elements of the universal mud flapassemblies shown in FIGS. 12-16D. It will be appreciated that themulti-piece frame 712 is adjustable so that its length L, from one end714 a of the multi-piece frame to the other end 714 b of the multi-pieceframe 712, is adjustable so that a further embodiment of the present mudflap assembly that utilizes this multi-piece frame 712 will beadjustable in length so as to accommodate vehicles (not shown) havingeither a wider than normal body or a narrower than normal body. Themulti-piece frame 712 is most similar to the universal frames 212, 412and 512 disclosed in FIGS. 12-13B, 15E-15E and 16A-16D, respectively.The multi-piece frame 712 can be adjusted to five different lengths (L1,L2, L3, L4 and L5) generally depicted in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18 d and18E, respectively. The multi-piece frame 712 has three main parts, acenter portion 713 a and two side portions 713 b, 713 c that are securedtogether in relation to one another in a series of differentconfigurations, as both shown and discussed, by a plurality of fasteners729 a that pass through corresponding apertures (not shown, see FIG. 19)in the respective top plates 740 a, 740 b and 740 c of the respectivecenter and side portions 713 a, 713 b, 713 c, respectively, so that atleast one fastener 729 a passes through each of two apertures (notshown, see FIG. 19) at opposite ends of the top plate 740 a of thecenter portion 713 a and each of the respective top plates 740 b, 740 cof the respective side portions 713 b, 713 c, to secure the respectivecenter and side portions 713 a, 713 b, 713 c together in each of thefive possible configurations. The center portion 713 a and two sideportions 713 b, 713 c of the multi-piece frame 712 are also securedtogether in relation to one another this series of differentconfigurations, by a plurality of fasteners 729 b that pass throughcorresponding apertures (not shown, see FIG. 19) in the respective rearplates 730 a, 730 b and 730 c of the respective center and side portions713 a, 713 b, 713 c, respectively, so that at least one fastener 729 bpasses through an aperture (not shown, see FIG. 19) in the rear plate730 a of the center portion 713 a and each of the respective top plates740 b, 740 c of the respective side portions 713 b, 713 c, to secure therespective center and side portions 713 a, 713 b, 713 c together in eachof the five possible configurations. It will be appreciated that anynumber of configurations, yielding alternate multi-piece frames havingany number of alternate lengths are possible.

Referring now also to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21; as noted above, themulti-piece frame 712 has three main parts, a center portion 713 a andtwo side portions 713 b, 713 c that can be secured together in relationto one another in a series of different configurations, as both shownand discussed. Fasteners 729 a can pass through corresponding apertures741 a, 741 b, 741 c in the respective top plates 740 a, 740 b and 740 cof the respective center and side portions 713 a, 713 b, 713 c,respectively, so that each of two different fasteners 729 a that securethe top plate 740 a of the center portion 713 a to each of the topplates 740 b, 740 c of the respective side portions 713 b, 713 c, passesthrough an aperture 741 a in the top plate 740 a of the center portion713 a and also through one of the apertures 741 b, 741 c in one of therespective top plates 740 b, 740 c of the respective side portions 713b, 713 c, so that each of two different fasteners 729 a secures one ofthe respective side portions 713 b, 713 c to the center portion 713 a ineach of the five possible configurations, each of which has a differentlength.

The center portion 713 a and two side portions 613 b, 613 c of themulti-piece frame 712 can also be secured together in relation to oneanother in this series of different configurations, by a plurality offasteners 729 b that pass through corresponding apertures 743 a, 743 b,743 c in the respective rear plates 730 a, 730 b and 730 c of therespective center and side portions 713 a, 713 b, 713 c so that each oftwo different fasteners 729 b that secure the rear plate 730 a of thecenter portion 713 a to each of the rear plates 730 b, 730 c of therespective side portions 713 b, 713 c, passes through an aperture 743 ain the rear plate 740 a of the center portion 713 a and also through oneof the apertures 743 b, 743 c in one of the respective rear plates 730b, 730 c of the respective side portions 713 b, 713 c, so that each oftwo different fasteners 729 b secures one of the respective sideportions 713 b, 713 c to the center portion 713 a in each of the fivepossible configurations, each of which has a different length.

Referring now also to FIG. 22, various preferred embodiments can includea frame 812 having somewhat differently configured support flanges 842and apertures on the top plate 840 that will accommodate the addition ofadjustable stop assemblies 416 a, 416 b, as shown and described inrelation to FIGS. 15D, 15E and flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b,1250 a, 1250 b as shown in the Figures and described herein with respectto other mud flap assembly embodiments.

One preferred method of installing the mud flap assemblies 10, 210, 410,510, 1010, 1110, 1210 includes first inserting the long carriage bolts88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a through the openings in respective clamphalves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a, 586 b. The longcarriage bolts 88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a are preferably secured to theclamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486 b, 586 a, 586 b withflat washers 88 c, 288 c, 488 c, 588 c, and preferably lock washers 245d in certain embodiments, and nuts 88 b, 288 b, 488 b, 588 b. Next, theflat surface formed by the securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584, 1084 isaligned with the frame 12, 212, 412, 512, 1012 so the nuts 88 b, 288 b,488 b, 588 b on the long carriage bolts 88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a arefacing the ground. The clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486 a, 486b, 586 a, 586 b are then loosely attached to the frame 12, 212, 412,512, 1012 preferably with short carriage bolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594a, flat washers 94 c, 294 c, 494 c, 594 c, lock washers 494 d, 594 d andnuts 94 b, 294 b, 494 b, 594 b so that the nuts are facing the front ofthe frame 12, 212, 412, 512, 1012 and the vehicle V. The short carriagebolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a are preferably left somewhat loose atthis stage of installation. Then, the hitch tongue 72 of the hitchassembly 70 is threaded through the hitch opening 18, 118, 218, 318,418, 518 a, 618, 718, 818 in the respective frame 12, 112, 212, 312,412, 612, 712, 812, 1012 or mounting plate 519 and the clamp opening 90,290, 490, 590 between the two clamp halves 86 a, 86 b, 286 a, 286 b, 486a, 486 b, 586 a, 586 b. The combination mud flap assembly 10, 210, 410,510, 1010, 1110, 1210 and hitch assembly 70 is then lifted up so as toenable the hitch tongue 72 to be inserted into the hitch receiveropening 77. At this stage, all of the nuts are engaged with therespective carriage bolts, but they are only finger tightened so thatthe shaft 72 is moveable or repositionable with respect to the securingassembly and the securing assembly is moveable or repositionable withrespect to the respective frame. The shaft or hitch tongue 72 is theninserted into and secured within the hitch receiver opening 77 of thehitch receiver 76 that is attached to the vehicle V. The hitch tongue 72is secured within the hitch receiver 76 with a hitch pin 79 a that isinserted into a hitch receiver aperture 78 in the hitch receiver 76 whenthe aperture 78 is aligned with a hitch tongue aperture 74 in the hitchtongue 72 and the hitch pin 79 a is then secured within the hitch tongueaperture 74 by a cotter pin 79 b that is inserted into a cotter pinaperture 79 c at the distal end 79 d of the hitch pin 79 a when thehitch pin 79 a has passed through the hitch receiver aperture 78 on thenear side of hitch receiver 76, the hitch tongue aperture 74 and througha second hitch receiver aperture (not shown) on the opposite side of thehitch receiver 76. When the hitch pin 79 a secures the hitch tongue 72within the hitch receiver 76, the cotter pin aperture 79 c will resideoutside of the receiver opening 77 so as to be accessible for theinsertion of the cotter pin 79 b.

In preferred embodiments, the support flange(s) 42, 142, 242 a, 242 b,442 a, 442 b, 1042 are positioned on the bumper step or shelf portion Sof the bumper B and the frame 12, 112, 212, 412, 1012 is pushed tightlyagainst the rear surface of the bumper B until both of the stops 16 a,16 b or bumper caps 17 a, 17 b, 217 a, 217 b, 417 a, 417 b, 617 a, 617b, 717 a, 717 b, 1017 a, 1017 b are against the rear surface R of thebumper B. The securing assembly 84, 284, 484, 584, 1084 is thentightened around the hitch tongue 72 , by tightening the nuts 88 b, 288b, 488 b, 588 b to the long carriage bolts 88 a, 288 a, 488 a, 588 a.Downward pressure is then placed upon the top plate 40, 140, 240, 340,440, 540, 640 a, 740 a, 840, 1040 proximate the support flanges 42, 142,242 a, 242 b, 442 a, 442 b, 642, 1042 so that the short carriage boltscan move downward within the respective slots, so that the securingassembly, which is secured to the hitch tongue 72, can also adjustdownward with respect to the respective frame and thereby allowing therespective support flanges 42, 142, 242 a, 242 b, 442 a, 442 b, 642.1042 to engage with the top of the bumper B. The next step is to tightenthe nuts 94 b, 294 b, 494 b, 594 b to the respective short carriagebolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a of the securing assembly 84. Then, thenuts on all four short carriage bolts 94 a, 294 a, 494 a, 594 a aretorqued to about 32 ft. lbs.

The flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b,550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b can besecured to the respective frame 12, 112, 212, 412, 512, 1012 by boltingthe flap panels to the respective frame 12, 112, 212, 412, 512, 1012with bolts 52 a, 152 a, 252 a, 452 a, 552 a, flat washers 52 b, 252 b,452 b, 552 b, optionally lock washers, and nuts 52 c, 252 c, 452 c, 552c (see also, for example, FIGS. 2C-2D and related disclosure).Preferably, the nuts 52 c, 252 c, 452 c, 552 c are tightened until theflat washers 52 b, 252 b, 452 b, 552 b and/or lock washers start tocompress into the composite material of the respective flap panel 50 a,50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a,1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b.

It will be understood that alternate embodiments of the present mud flapassemblies and variants thereof, for example, those utilizing frames312, 612, 712, 812, 1012, as discussed and illustrated herein, can beinstalled in a similar manner and have similar securing assemblies andadjustable stops.

Installation of embodiments that are more adjustable, or customizable,as shown in FIGS. 12-16D, for example, generally include the followingsteps. Please also see FIGS. 1-2D for illustrations of the hitchassembly 70. First, the securing assembly 284 can be assembled bysecuring the long carriage bolts 288 a to the camp halves 286 a, 286 bwith respective flat washers 288 c and/or lock washers and nuts 288 b.Then the flat surfaces of each clamp half 286 a, 286 b is orientedagainst the backside of frame 212 so the nuts 288 b on the long carriagebolts 288 a face down toward the ground. The securing assembly 284 canbe loosely attached to frame 212 with the short carriage bolts 294 a,flat washers 294 c and/or lock washers so that the nuts 294 b areclosest to the front of the frame 212 and the vehicle V. As will beappreciated, it is preferred to leave all bolts 288 a, 294 a somewhatloose at this stage. Next, slide the ball mount and the shaft 72 of thehitch assembly 70 through frame 212 and hitch opening 218 of the frame212 and the open space between the respective clamp halves of thesecuring assembly. Then the frame 212, with the hitch assembly 70loosely engaged within the hitch opening 218 and the space between theclamp halves 286 a, 286 b can be lifted to enable the shaft or hitchtongue 72 of the hitch assembly 70 to be inserted into the hitchreceiver opening 77. Then, the hitch assembly 70 is secured within thehitch receiver 76 with a hitch pin 79 a that is inserted into both thehitch receiver aperture 78 and the hitch tongue aperture 74 when theyare aligned and clip or a cotter pin 79 b or the like is then insertedinto a hitch pin aperture 79 c at the distal end 79 d or the hitch pin79 a to secure a hitch pin 79 a in this position. If the receiveraperture 78 and the hitch tongue aperture 74 do not align to allow thehitch pin 79 a to be inserted or if frame 212 cannot be positioned tohang straight and plumb, a hitch assembly with a longer hitch tongue maybe needed before proceeding. Next, secure the support flanges 242 a, 242b to the top plate 240 of the frame 212 such that they will extend overand rest upon the step S of the bumper B of the vehicle V (see also,FIG. 3A). It is preferred that the support flanges 242 a, 242 b areinstalled symmetrically with respect to the frame 212 and that they arepositioned as close to the ends 214 a, 214 b of the frame 212 aspossible. Next ensure the frame 212 is approximately level with bumper Band push down on the top plate 240 or the support flange(s) 242 a, 242 bin order to press them against the top surface S of the bumper B. Therear plate 230 of the frame 212 will preferably be plumb and the stopassemblies 216 a, 216 b will preferably be resting against the rearsurface R, so that the short carriage bolts 294 a can then be tightenedin their respective top slots 220, but only in the top slots 220 andequally on both sides. This will leave the lower clamp half 286 b loose,while the upper clamp half 286 a will preferably be tightly secured.Next tighten both long carriage bolts 288 to secure the lower clamp half286 b against the ball mount 71 and the hitch tongue 72 and the frame212 to hitch assembly 70. Finally, tighten the remaining short carriagebolts 294 a to further secure the lower clamp half 286 b to the frame112. It is preferred that all of the long carriage bolts 288 a and theshort carriage bolts 286 b are tightened and/or torqued to about 32 ft.lbs.

In preferred embodiments, the stops 16 b, 316 a, 316 b or the bumpercaps 17 b,117 a,117 b, 217 a, 217 b, 417 a, 417 b are tensioned againstthe rear surface R of the bumper B by placing force against the rearplate 30, 130, 230, 330, 430 of the frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 on bothsides of the hitch assembly opening 18, 118, 218, 318, 418 when thehitch tongue 72 is secured to the hitch receiver 76 by the hitch pin 79a, but before the securing assembly 84, 184, 284, 384, 484 is tightenedaround the hitch assembly 70, in order to press the frame 12, 112, 212,312, 412 and the stops 16 b, 316 a, 316 b or bumper caps 17 b,117 a, 117b, 217 a, 217 b, 417 a, 417 b against the rear surface R of the bumper Band bend the frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 slightly and to create thistension. The support flange(s) 42, 142, 242 a, 242 b, 442 a, 442 b arealso preferably tensioned against the top surface S of the bumper B byplacing downward force upon the top surface S of the bumper B when theshaft 72 is secured to the hitch receiver 76 by the hitch pin 79 a, butbefore the securing assembly 84, 184, 284, 384, 484 is tightened aroundthe hitch assembly 70, in order to press the top plate 40, 140, 240,340, 440 and the support flange(s) 42, 142, 242 a, 242 b, 442 a, 442 bagainst the top surface S of the bumper B and bend the frame 12, 112,212, 312, 412 slightly and to create this tension.

The flap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b,550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b are thenpositioned as generally illustrated indicated in FIGS. 16A-16B, forexample, and secured to the frame 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712,812, 1012 with bolts, flat washers, lock washers and nuts. It ispreferred to tighten the nuts until the lock washers are fullycompressed.

In various embodiments, for example those mud flap assembliesspecifically designed for dual exhaust vehicles, preferred methods willfurther include cutting out a hole or exhaust aperture 54 a, 154 a, 254a, 454 a, 554 a in at least one flap panel 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a, 550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b,1250 a, 1250 b proximate the vehicle's V exhaust pipe P. Preferably, theflap panels 50 a, 50 b, 150 a, 150 b, 250 a, 250 b, 450 a, 450 b, 550 a,550 b, 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b include one ormore outlines 54 b, 154 b, 254 b, 454 b, 554 b, as discussed above, forproper alignment of potential exhaust aperture(s) to the correspondingframe apertures 22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 1022.

Installation for embodiments including a frame 712 that is adjustable inlength as illustrated in FIGS. 17-21 generally include the same steps asindicated above with the addition of first selecting the desired lengthL1-L5 of the frame 712 and then also securing bolts 729 b withinapertures 743 a, 743 b, 743 c to secure side portions 713 b and 713 c tothe center portion 713 a.

Now referring also to FIGS. 23A-28, which illustrate further preferredmud flap assemblies 1010, 1110 and 1210, which are largely similar tomud flap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 410, 510 disclosed herein in referenceto FIGS. 1-15E, the mud flap assembly 1010, 1110, 1210 includes a frame1012 similar to the frame 812 shown in FIG. 22, which generally spans abumper B of a vehicle V (not shown) in the manner shown in FIGS. 3A-6(see for example, FIG. 3A). The frame 1012 preferably includes a rearplate 1030 and a top plate 1040. The mud flap assemblies 1010, 1110, and1210 of the present invention are characterized in that the includeenlarged flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b thatpreferably extend either beyond the respective ends of the respectiveframes 1012 or above the respective frame 1012 to provide greaterprotection from rocks and debris churned up from the rear wheels of avehicle to which the respective mud flap assembly is secured, fortrailers, boats or other equipment being pulled behind the vehicle.

The frame 1012 preferably includes a hitch opening 1018. Slots areincorporated into the frame 1012 in a manner similar to the slotsillustrated in frames 12, 112, 212, 312 and 412 shown in FIGS. 1-15E orincorporated into a separate mounting plate 519 (FIG. 16A), similar tothe arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 16A or incorporated into one pieceof a multi-piece frame such as the center portion 613 a, 713 a in thearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 16A, 17. The slots are proximate thehitch opening 1018 in the same way that slots are provided in frames 12,112, 212, 312 and 412 shown in FIGS. 1-15E and the securing assembly1084, which is the same as that provide in the previously referencedembodiments, can be secured to the frame 1012 and can engage the hitchassembly 70, securing it to the frame 1012 in the same manner asdescribed and shown with respect to the previously referencedembodiments. As previously disclosed, the hitch tongue or a shaft 72 ofa hitch assembly 70, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, can be received(see also, FIG. 2D and related disclosure) and secured by a securingassembly such as securing assembly 84 of FIG. 2D. In the case of aseparate mounting plate 19 such as the mounting plate 519 of FIG. 16A,the mounting plate 19 functions as a part of the frame 12, providing theslots 20 adjacent to the hitch opening 18 as previously described, wherea securing assembly 84 similar to that shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, can besecured.

As with prior embodiments, the securing assembly 584 (FIG. 16B, 16D) canbe used to secure a hitch tongue assembly (not shown) to the frame 512in a manner similar to that discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1, 2B-2D.As in the previous disclosed embodiments, the preferred securingassemblies 584 include two clamp halves 586 a, 586 b interconnected withlong carriage bolts 588 a, nuts 588 b and washers 588 c that can besecured to clamp a hitch tongue (not shown) of a hitch assembly (notshown) within the plate opening 590 of the mounting plate 519 to securethe hitch assembly (not shown) to the frame 512 when the mounting plate519 is secured to the frame 512. Each clamp half 586 a, 586 b preferablyincludes at least one support flange 592 a, 592 b to contact the hitchtongue (not shown). The clamp halves 586 a, 586 b are secured to themounting plate 519 with short carriage bolts 594 a located within theslots 520. The short carriage bolts 594 a can be secured withinapertures 587 in the clamp halves 586 a, 586 b (see also, for example,FIGS. 1, 2A-2D) with nuts 594 b, flat washers 594 c and lock washers 594d.

The frame 1012 can also include at least one aperture or exhaust opening1022 that is aligned with a corresponding aperture in the respectiveflap panel 1050 b, 1150 b, 1250 b as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 16A-16C and in other figures and embodiments described herein.Each flap panel 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b mayinclude one or more outlines for a user to trace and cut additionalexhaust openings in the flap panels if desired, as previously described.In alternate embodiments, the outlines can be scored, perforated or thelike, to make it easier for the user to remove the outlined material tomake a suitable aperture to correspond with the aperture or exhaustopening 1022 in the frame 1012. The at least one exhaust opening 1022 inthe frame 1012 and respective flap panel 1050 b, 1150 b, 1250 b ispreferably generally aligned proximate the vehicle exhaust pipe P sothat the mud flap assembly 1010, 1110, 1210 ventilates hot exhaust awayfrom the vehicle V similar to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3B anddescribed herein. The frame 1012 may also include decorative apertures1024 a, 1024 b, 1024 c, 1024 d and 1024 e as desired, which complimentthe decorative aspects of the exhaust opening 1022. For some vehiclemodels, a second exhaust opening (not shown) can be preferably provided,preferably constructed and arranged to align with an additional exhaustpipe location in a similar manner, typically opposite the first exhaustopening 1022. The exhaust opening can have any shape, but the decorativeshape of a circle is preferred in order to provide continuity with thedecorative shape of the proximate decorative apertures 1024 a, 1024 b,1024 c, 1024 d, and 1024 e in the frame 1012.

As in other embodiments describe herein, frame 1012 preferably has bentlips 1026 a, 1026 b proximate the flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a,1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b which allows the respective flap panels 1050 a,1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b to flex upwardly as the vehiclemoves forward and air resistance pushes the bottoms of the respectiveflap panels away from the vehicle when the mud flap assembly 1010 issecured to a vehicle. The bent lips 1026 a, 1026 b also provide greaterstrength to the respective rear plates 1030 a, 1030 b to resisthorizontal deformation.

At first and second ends 1014 a, 1014 b of the frame 1012, proximate thetires (not shown) of the vehicle V (not shown), the flap panels 1050 a,1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b are secured to and extenddownwardly from the frame 1012. The flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a,1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b generally block dirt, debris or rocks that may bekicked up by the tires from damaging the trailer and apparatus (notshown) being towed by the vehicle via the hitch assembly (see also,hitch assembly 70 and related disclosure). As with previous embodiments,flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b arepreferably made of flexible material such as masticated rubber or thelike. Preferably, the flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250a, 1250 b are secured to the frame 1012 with nuts, bolts and washers aspreviously described herein.

The frame 1012 includes a top plate 1040 including one or more aperturesfor the optional securing of a support flange piece or pieces (notshown), similar to the support flange piece 242 a, 242 b shown in FIGS.12, 13A, 13B, or the support flange pieces 442 a, 442 b, shown in FIGS.15A-15C to sit upon a step S of a bumper B of a vehicle (not shown)similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A-6. For example, see apertures 541 inFIG. 16D, as well as corresponding apertures 241 and support flanges 242a, 242 b shown in FIG. 13A and the related disclosure. Also note thecorresponding disclosure of support flanges 442 a, 442 b secured to theuniversal frame 412 by bolts 445 a that pass through apertures 441, asshown in FIG. 15A-15C, and as noted in the related disclosure. Anoptional protective strip 1075 can be attached to the underside of thetop plate 1040; protective strip 1075 is shown exploded away from theframe 1012 in FIGS. 23A, 23B for clarity. Preferably, the protectivestrip 1075 has an adhesive surface and can be adhered to the undersideof the top plate 1040 by a user as needed to protect the bumper of avehicle (not shown). Although not shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, 27A, 27B, mudflap assemblies 1110 and 1210 may similarly include a protective strip1075.

The frame 1012 can also have stops (not shown) that are provided by stopassemblies (not shown) of the type that can be secured to the top plate1040 through apertures in the manner in which stop assemblies 415 a, 415b are secured to the universal frame 412 as shown in FIGS. 15A-15E. Agusset member 1066 can be attached to the frame 1012 below the top plate1040 to strengthen the frame 1012 as previously described. Although notshown in FIGS. 25B, 27B, the frame 1012 of mud flap assemblies 1110,1210 may similarly include a gusset member 1066. Further preferred mudflap assemblies 1010, 1110, and 1210 of the present invention, shown inFIGS. 23A-28 each preferably include a pair of adjustable stopassemblies 1015 a, 1015 b secured to each of the frames 1012 that arethe same as adjustable stop assemblies 415 a, 415 b secured to the frame412 of the mud flap assembly 410 shown FIGS. 15A-15E. Each of the stopassemblies 1015 a, 1015 b include a stop, a bumper cap and, in furtherpreferred embodiments, a protective piece (not shown) placed on thevehicle bumper B proximate a place where the owner projects the bumpercap covering the stop will engage the bumper B when the stop and thebumper cap are pressed up against the bumper when the mud flap assemblyis secured to the vehicle V in order to protect the bumper from abrasionat the point of contact, just as it is for preferred embodiments shownin FIGS. 15A-15E.

The flap panel 1050 a has an inner edge 1058 a, an outer edge 1058 c,and an upper edge 1058 e; likewise, the panel 1050 b has an inner edge1058 b, an outer edge 1058 d, and an upper edge 1058 f. Similarly, theflap panel 1150 a has an inner edge 1158 a, an outer edge 1158 c, and anupper edge 1158 e; the panel 1150 b has an inner edge 1158 b, an outeredge 1158 d, and an upper edge 1158 f; flap panel 1250 a has an inneredge 1258 a, an outer edge 1258 c, and an upper edge 1258 e; the panel1250 b has an inner edge 1258 b, an outer edge 1258 d, and an upper edge1258 f. The other flap panels illustrated herein also have correspondinginner, outer, and upper edges.

In many of the embodiments described herein, there is a generousdistance between the inner edges of the flap panels. Although thedrawings are not to be taken to scale, one can see the much greaterdistance illustrated between the respective inner edges of panels 50 aand 50 b of FIG. 1, 150 a and 150 b of FIG. 9, 250 a and 250 b of FIG.12, 450 a and 450 b of FIG. 15A, and 550 a and 550 b of FIG. 16A, whencompared to the inner edges 1058 a, 1058 b of flap panels 1050 a and1050 b of FIG. 23A, inner edges 1150 a, 1158 b of flap panels 1150 a and1150 b of FIG. 25A, and inner edges 1258 a, 1258 b of flap panels 1250 aand 1250 b of FIG. 27A. In some situations, such as when a dual-wheeltype of vehicle is used, additional protection at the inner portion maybe desired in order to prevent damage to trailer, equipment, or otherapparatus being towed, for example. The embodiments of mud flapassemblies such as 1010, 1110, 1210, illustrated in FIGS. 23A-28,provide improved protection against such damage, by providing a reduceddistance D1 a, D1 b, D1 c between the inner edges 1058 a and 1058 b,1158 a and 1158 b, 1258 a and 1258 b, of flap panels 1050 a and 1050 b,1150 a and 1150 b, and 1250 a and 1250 b, respectively, as illustratedin FIGS. 23A, 23B, 25A, 25B, 27A and 27B. The distances D1 a, D1 b, D1 cbetween the inner edges 1058 a and 1058 b, 1158 a and 1158 b, 1258 a and1258 b of flap panels 1050 a and 1050 b, 1150 a and 1150 b, 1250 a and1250 b, respectively, are chosen so that it is large enough to allowaccess to the hitch tongue 72 and safety chains (not shown), yet smallenough to provide the desired amount of protection from rocks or debristhat may be kicked up by the tires. In preferred embodiments, thedistance D1 a, D1 b, D1 c preferably ranges from about 3 inches to about5 inches, preferably about 4 inches, although this distance can bevaried somewhat from this range depending on the amount of protectiondesired.

As in other embodiments described herein, the flap panels 1050 a, 1050b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b preferably are secured to and extenddownwardly from the frame 1012. A variety of fasteners such as bolts1052 a, washers 1052 b, and nuts 1052 c can be utilized to secure theflap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b to the frame1012. The fasteners, and the various holes and apertures through whichthe fasteners attach, are preferably located toward the longitudinalends 1014 a, 1014 b of the frame 1012, so as to avoid interference withadditional structures such as the securing assembly, the hitch assemblyor related components, and the like, as previously illustrated.

In many of the above embodiments, such an arrangement is sufficient.However, for extended flap panels such as the flap panels 1050 a, 1050b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b, which extend inwardly so that theinner edges 1058 a and 1058 b, 1158 a and 1158 b, 1258 a and 1258 b ofthe flap panels 1050 a and 1050 b, 1150 a and 1150 b, 1250 a and 1250 b,respectively, are a shorter distance D1 a, D1 b, D1 c apart, thesecurement arrangement, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-22 and described inthe corresponding text, can leave the flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b with insufficient support toward theirrespective inner edges 1058 a, 1058 b, 1158 a, 1158 b, 1258 a, 1258 b.Flap panel support members 1032 a, 1032 b are secured to the frame 1012as shown, and provide additional support for the extended flap panels1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b toward their respectiveinner edges 1058 a, 1058 b, 1158 a, 1158 b, 1258 a, 1258 b.

Preferably, panel support members 1032 a, 1032 b are not planar, but arebent so that the included angle is 90 degrees plus angle A2 asillustrated in FIG. 14B. Preferably, the panel support member 1032 a,flap panel 1050 a, 1150 a, 1250 a, and frame 1012 are secured withfasteners such as bolts 1052 a, washers 1052 b, and nuts 1052 c locatedat apertures 1033 a, 1133 a, 1233 a, so that the flap panel 1050 a, 1150a, 1250 a is sandwiched between the support member 1032 a, and the frame1012 as shown. Similarly, flap panel 1050 b, 1150 b, 1250 b ispreferably sandwiched between the support member 1032 b and the otherend of the frame 1012 as shown. This arrangement provides superiorsupport for the flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250b.

Preferably, support members 1032 a, 1032 b have a slight bend to aninside surface 1032 a′, 1032 b′, as illustrated in FIG. 24B, with angleA2 preferably being from about 85 to about 89 degrees, preferably about88 degrees, so that the surface of one end of each support member 1032a, 1032 b is preferably from about 5 to about 1 degree out of plane withrespect to the surface of the other (opposite) end, more preferablyabout 2 degrees out of plane with respect to the surface of the other(opposite) end. While not always required, this slight bend on theinside surface 1032 a′, 1032 b′ of the support member 1032 a, 1032 b can“pre-stress” the assembly to help keep the ends of each support member1032 a, 1032 b well apposed to the flap panel 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a,1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b and the frame 1012, and thereby minimizing anygaps which could otherwise exist in the assembled structure. The angleA2 is chosen to provide the desired degree of support for the flappanels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b. In preferredembodiments, angle A2 ranges from about 85 to about 89 degrees; morepreferably, angle A2 is about 88 degrees. In other words, the totalincluded angle (90 degrees+A2) between opposing ends 1034 a, 1035 a and1034 b, 1035 b of the inside surface 1032 a′, 1032 b′ of the supportmember 1032 a, 1032 b will preferably range from about 175 to about 179degrees, and more preferably be about 178 degrees.

The assembly is preferably held together by fasteners as describedabove. The flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b,support members 1032 a, 1032 b, and frame 1012 have apertures 1033 a,1033 b, 1133 a, 1133 b, 1233 a, 1233 b through which bolts 1052 a canpass. At apertures 1033 a, 1133 a, 1233 a the bolts 1052 a preferablypass through the support members 1032 a, 1032 b and the flap panels 1050a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b, and the frame 1012, withwashers 1052 b and nuts 1052 c applied. At apertures 1033 b, 1133 b,1233 b, however, the bolts 1052 a preferably pass through the supportmembers 1032 a, 1032 b and the flap panels 1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150b, 1250 a, 1250 b, but not the frame 1012. In some embodiments, the bentlips 1026 a, 1026 b may align with apertures 1033 b, and havingcorresponding apertures in the frame at that location could beproblematic; by configuring the bolts 1052 a at these locations to passthrough the support members 1032 a, 1032 b and the flap panels 1050 a,1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b, but not the frame 1012, thesupport members 1032 a, 1032 b can provide support for flap panels 1050a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b, 1250 a, 1250 b in the vicinity of apertures1033 b, 1133 b, 1233 b without interference from the bent lips 1026 a,1026 b to the fastener components such as washers 1052 b and nuts 1052c. The support members 1032 a, 1032 b are then attached to the frame atapertures 1033 a, 1133 a, 1233 a, but cantilever as they extend to thevicinity of apertures 1033 b, 1133 b, 1233 b. The slight bend in thesupport members 1032 a, 1032 b as described above can aid in stabilizingthe assembled structure in vicinity of apertures 1033 b, 1133 b, 1233 b.

Now referring to mud flap assembly 1110 illustrated in FIGS. 25A-26, theflap panels 1150 a, 1150 b are extended inward, similar to flap panels1050 a, 1050 b, 1250 a, 1250 b. However, the flap panels 1150 a, 1150 bare also extended a distance D2 b past the longitudinal ends 1014 a,1014 b of frame 1012. In other words, the outer edge of the flap panel1150 a is a distance D2 b past the longitudinal end 1014 a of frame1012, and the outer edge of the flap panel 1150 b is a distance D2 bpast the longitudinal end 1014 b of frame 1012, respectively. Further,the flap panels 1150 a, 1150 b are also extended a distance D3 b abovethe top plate 1040 in the vicinity of the longitudinal ends 1014 a, 1014b of frame 1012, so that the upper edge of flap panels 1150 a and 1150 bare a distance D3 b above top plate 1040 of frame 1012. As best seen inFIG. 25B, mud flap assembly 1110 further comprises panel support members1132 c, 1132 d which provide additional support for the extended flappanels 1150 a, 1150 b. Preferably, the panel support member 1132 c, flappanel 1150 a, and frame 1012 are secured with fasteners such as bolts1052 a, washers 1052 b, and nuts 1052 c located at apertures 1133 a, sothat the flap panel 1150 a is sandwiched between the support member 1132c and the frame 1012 as shown. Similarly, flap panel 1150 b ispreferably sandwiched between the support member 1132 d and the otherend of the frame 1012 as shown. This arrangement provides superiorsupport for the flap panels 1150 a, 1150 b. The distances D2 b, D3 bbetween the end of the frame 1012 or the top of the frame 1012,respectively, and the outer edge 1158 c, 1158 d, respectively, or theupper edge 1158 e, 1158 f, respectively, of flap panel 1150 a, 1150 b,respectively, are arranged to provide the desired amount of protectionfor anything towed behind the flap panels 1150 a, 1150 b from rocks ordebris that may be kicked up by the tires, while still providing thedesired fit on the vehicle V. In preferred embodiments, distance D2 b ispreferably from about 2 to about 12 inches, preferably about 5 inches.In preferred embodiments, distance D3 b is preferably from about 2inches to about 12 inches, preferably from about 4 inches to about 8inches, and more preferably about 6.5 inches.

Now referring to mud flap assembly 1210 illustrated in FIGS. 27A-28, theflap panels 1250 a, 1250 b are extended inward, similar to flap panels1050 a, 1050 b, 1150 a, 1150 b. However, the flap panels 1250 a, 1250 bare extended a larger distance D2 c past the longitudinal ends 1014 a,1014 b of frame 1012. In other words, the outer edge of the flap panel1250 a is a distance D2 c past the longitudinal end 1014 a of frame1012, and the outer edge of the flap panel 1250 b is a distance D2 cpast the longitudinal end 1014 b of frame 1012, respectively. The flappanels 1250 a, 1250 b are also extended a distance D3 c above the topplate 1040 in the vicinity of the longitudinal ends 1014 a, 1014 b offrame 1012, so that the upper edge of flap panels 1250 a and 1250 b area distance D3 c above top plate 1040 of frame 1212. As best seen in FIG.27B, mud flap assembly 1210 further comprises panel support members 1232c, 1232 d which provide additional support for the extended flap panels1250 a, 1250 b. Preferably, the panel support member 1232 c, flap panel1250 a, and frame 1012 are secured with fasteners such as bolts 1052 a,washers 1052 b, and nuts 1052 c located at apertures 1233 a, so that theflap panel 1250 a is sandwiched between the support member 1232 c andthe frame 1012 as shown. Similarly, flap panel 1250 b is preferablysandwiched between the support member 1232 d and the other end of theframe 1012 as shown. This arrangement provides superior support for theflap panels 1250 a, 1250 b The distances D2 c, D3 c between the end ofthe frame 1012 or the top of the frame 1012, respectively, and the outeredge 1258 c, 1258 d, respectively, or the upper edge 1258 e, 1258 f,respectively, of flap panel 1250 a, 1250 b, respectively, are arrangedto provide the desired amount of protection for anything towed behindthe flap panels 1250 a, 1250 b from rocks or debris that may be kickedup by the tires, while still providing the desired fit on the vehicle V.In preferred embodiments, distance D2 c is preferably from about 5 toabout 15 inches, preferably about 10 inches. In preferred embodiments,distance D3 c is preferably from about 2 inches to about 12 inches,preferably from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, and more preferablyabout 6.5 inches.

Mud flap assemblies 1010, 1110, 1210 provide for increased area ofprotection from damage to towed equipment by mud, gravel and otherdebris that can be kicked up by the rear tires of a vehicle. Inparticular, mud flap assemblies 1010, 1110, 1210 provide improvedprotection in the inner or central region near the hitch. Mud flapassembly 1110 also provides for increased protection near the sides ofthe vehicle, particularly useful for vehicles having dual wheels or awide wheel base, which could otherwise kick up debris farther out to theside than other vehicles. Mud flap assembly 1210 provides for furtherprotection for even a larger area near the sides of the vehicle. Panelsupport members, such as the example panel support members 1032 a, 1032b, 1132 c, 1132 d, 1232 c, 1232 d disclosed herein can facilitate theimproved protection in mud flap assemblies 1010, 1110, 1210 over alarger area compared with other mud flap assemblies described herein.

In preferred embodiments, the ground clearance for the flap panels 50 a,50 b is about 4 to about 7 inches above the ground. The flap panels 50a, 50 b may be trimmed after installation to achieve this preferredground clearance, if necessary.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention tothe full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms inwhich the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mud flap assembly for attachment to a hitchassembly, the hitch assembly being attachable to a hitch receiverattached to a vehicle proximate a bumper of the vehicle; the bumperhaving a top surface and a rear surface and the hitch assembly having ashaft for engagement with the hitch receiver; the mud flap assemblycomprising: a frame, a securing assembly and two mud flap panels; theframe having a rear plate and a top plate, wherein the top plate isgenerally perpendicular to the rear plate and the top plate includes asupport flange; wherein the hitch assembly can be adjustably secured tothe frame by the securing assembly such that when the shaft of the hitchassembly is engaged with the hitch receiver so as to provide a firstpoint of contact between the mud flap assembly and the vehicle, thesupport flange of the top plate can be engaged with the top surface ofthe bumper to give the mud flap assembly a second point of contact withthe vehicle.
 2. The mud flap assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame hastwo longitudinal ends; wherein each the respective mud flap panels canbe separately secured to the frame proximate one of the respectivelongitudinal ends such that the respective mud flap panel extends atleast about two inches beyond the end of the respective longitudinalend.
 3. The mud flap assembly of claim 1, wherein a distance thatseparates each the respective mud flap panels from one another is fromabout 3 to about 5 inches.
 4. The mud flap assembly of claim 1, whereineach the respective mud flap panels extends above the top plateproximate respective longitudinal ends of the frame at least about twoinches.
 5. The mud flap assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame furtherincludes a plurality of openings including a primary hitch openinghaving a configuration selected from the group consisting of: agenerally U-shaped opening partially surrounded by adjacent elements ofthe frame and a rectangular opening surrounded by adjacent elements ofthe frame.
 6. The mud flap assembly of claim 5, wherein the securingassembly includes a pair of elongated members that can be secured to theframe and secured to one another to secure the hitch assembly to theframe; and an opening completely surrounded by adjacent elements of theframe; the plurality of openings further including a plurality of frameattachment openings proximate the primary hitch opening; whereinconnectors can adjustably connect the pair of elongated members of thesecuring assembly to the frame and to one another to secure the shaft ofthe hitch assembly to the frame.
 7. The mud flap assembly of claim 5,wherein the mud flap assembly further includes a removable adjustmentplate defining a secondary hitch opening for attachment to the frameproximate the primary hitch opening; wherein the adjustment plateincludes a plurality of plate openings to enhance the adjustmentcapabilities of the securing assembly.
 8. The mud flap assembly of claim5, wherein the securing assembly includes a first plurality of nuts andbolts that can secure the respective elongated members to the frame anda second plurality of nuts and bolts that can secure the respectiveelongated members to one another so as to secure the shaft of the hitchassembly to the frame.
 9. The mud flap assembly of claim 5, wherein theframe attachment openings are slots located proximate the primary hitchopening, such bolts can be used to adjustably secure the respectiveelongated members to the frame proximate the primary hitch opening. 10.The mud flap assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame has a structure thatis selected from the group consisting of: a unitary structure and amulti-part structure in which a plurality of parts are interconnected toform a frame assembly.
 11. The mud flap assembly of claim 1, wherein themud flap assembly further includes a pair of mud flap support members;wherein each of the respective mud flap panels are secured to the frame,sandwiched between the frame and one of the respective mud flap supportmembers.
 12. The mud flap assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one ofthe mud flap support members is bent so that an included angle betweenopposing ends of an inside surface of the mud flap support member, thatengages the respective mud flap, is from about 175 to about 179 degrees.13. A mud flap assembly for attachment to a hitch assembly having a ballmount and a vehicle having a rear bumper and a hitch receiver proximatethe rear bumper; the rear bumper having a top surface and a rear surfaceand the hitch assembly having a shaft interconnected to the ball mountfor engagement with the receiver; the mud flap assembly comprising: aframe, a securing assembly and a pair of mud flap panels; the framehaving two longitudinal ends, a rear plate and a top plate, the topplate having an upper surface that is generally perpendicular to a rearsurface on the rear plate; the top plate further including a supportflange; wherein the securing assembly can be adjustably secured to theframe such that the hitch assembly can be adjustably secured to theframe; wherein the shaft can be positioned such that the support flangecan be engaged with the top surface of the bumper when the shaft issecured to the frame and engaged within the hitch receiver to provide afirst point of contact between the mud flap assembly and the vehicle;wherein, when the mud flap assembly is operatively secured to thevehicle, the support flange can be engaged with the top surface of thebumper to provide a second point of contact between the mud flapassembly and the vehicle when the mud flap assembly is operativelyengaged with the vehicle.
 14. The mud flap assembly of claim 13, whereinthe flap panels can be separately secured to the frame proximate each ofthe respective longitudinal ends of the frame.
 15. The mud flap assemblyof claim 13, wherein each the respective mud flap panels can be securedto the frame so that the respective mud flap panel extends above the topplate proximate respective longitudinal ends of the frame at least abouttwo inches.
 16. The mud flap assembly of claim 13, wherein each therespective mud flap panels can be secured to the frame proximateopposite longitudinal ends of the frame so that each of the respectivemud flap panels extends at least about two inches beyond the end of therespective longitudinal end.
 17. The mud flap assembly of claim 14,wherein a distance that separates the respective mud flap panels fromone another is from about 3 to about 5 inches.
 18. The mud flap assemblyof claim 13, the frame including a pair of stop assemblies, one of whichis located proximate each of the respective longitudinal ends of theframe; wherein, when the mud flap assembly is operatively secured to thevehicle, the respective stop assemblies can be engaged with the rearsurface of the bumper to provide third and fourth points of contact withthe vehicle and stabilized the connection between the mud flap assemblyand the vehicle.
 19. The mud flap assembly of claim 13, wherein the mudflap assembly further includes a pair of mud flap support members;wherein each of the respective mud flap panels are secured to the frame,sandwiched between the frame and one of the respective mud flap supportmembers.
 20. The mud flap assembly of claim 19, wherein at least one ofthe mud flap support members is bent so that an included angle betweenopposing ends of an inside surface of the mud flap support member, thatengages the respective mud flap, is from about 175 to about 179 degrees.